CI. 


Bk. 


Trinity  College  Library 
Durham,  N.  C. 


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PERKINS  LIBRARY 

UuKe   University 


Kare  Dooka 


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PERSONAGES: 


%  ^odlt   of  filtiiig    C|aradi;rs 


R.  A.  YOUNG. 


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NASHVILLE,   TENN.: 
PRINTED  FOR  THE  AUTHOR  BY  J.  B.  M'FERRIN,  Ag't. 

1861. 


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CONTENTS. 


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PAGE 

PREFACE vii 

EDWARD  EVERETT, 

The  American  Cicero 9 

REV.  JOHN  HANNAH,  D.  D., 

British  Delegate 19 

JOHN  B.  GOUGH, 

Prince  of  the  Platform 35 

REV.  THOMAS  H.  STOCKTON,  D.  D., 

The  Inspired  Declaimer 58 

REV.  FREDERICK  J.  JOBSON,  D.  D., 

British  Delegate GG 

BAYARD  TAYLOR, 

The  Traveller 75 

REV.  CIIAS.  B.  PARSONS,  D.  D.,  LL.  D., 

The  Converted  Actor , 87 

REV.  JOHN  E.VRLY,  D.  D., 

The  Venerable  Bishop 102 

(iii) 


^  ^9CC 


IV  CONTENTS. 

THOMAS  FRANCIS  MEAGHER,  ESQ., 

Tub  Ieisii  Exile 113 

HENRY  GILES, 

The  Lectueer 122 

JOHN  MITCHELL, 

The  Revolutionist 129 

REV.  JOHN  r.  DURBIN,  D.  D., 

The  Plli'it  Orator 140 

REV.  ALEXANDER  R.  ERWIN,  D.  D., 

The  Faithful  Preacher 152 

WM.  M.  THACKERAY, 

TuE  Novelist IGO 

REV.  CHARLES  TAYLOR,  M.  D., 

The  Uktursed  Missionary 178 

JENKINS  AND  CUNNYNGHAM, 

A  Brace  of  Missioxarie.s 188 

KELLEY,  BELTON,  AND  LAMBUTH, 

A  Trio  of  Missionaries 199 

H.  R.  II.  ALBERT  EDWARD, 

The  TiiiNCE  of  Wales 208 

REV.  D.  U.  McANALLY,  D.  D., 

Editor  anii  Avthor 220 


<i^V  d  ^ 


CONTENTS. 

REV.  JOHN  B.  M'FERRIN,  D.  D., 

Book  Agent 


HON.  WILLIAM  T.  HASKELL, 

The  Tennessee  Orator 234 

REV.  JOHN  HENRY  YOUNG, 

My  Beloved  Brother 239 

HON.  JORDAN  STOKES, 

The  Successful  Pleader < 247 

MAJOR  URIEL  WRIGHT, 

The  AVestern  Lawyer 253 

REV.  GEORGE  COPWAY, 

The  0jebav.\y  Indian 259 

FATHER  JOHN  HERSEY, 

The  Wandering  Preacher 2G8 

JOHN  G.  SAXE,  ESQ., 

The  Hu.MORiST 274 

HON.  TRUSTEN  POLK, 

United  States  Senator 283 

CASSIUS  M.  CL.VY, 

The  Abolitionist 289 

REV.  BEX  J.  TAYLOR  K.WAXAUGH,  ^l.  D., 

The  Pioneer  Preacher 296 


PREFACE. 


Most  of  tlic  matter  in  this  book  was  prepared 
several  years  ago.  The  letters  were  originally 
addressed  to  Drs.  Huston,  M'Ferrin,  and  M'Au- 
all}^,  and  appeared  in  their  papers.  I  say  letters, 
because  they  are  written  in  the  easy  and  familiar 
style  of  the  letter ;  and  not  one  of  them  has  been 
rewritten.  They  are  not  arranged  here  in  chro- 
nological order,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  dates ;  but 
for  the  sake  of  variety. 

I  have  been  told  frequently,  especially  since  my 
return  to  Tennessee,  that  if  my  "  Characters" 
were  collected  together  in  book  form,  they  would 
be  read  extensively.      The  venture   is  now  made, 

(vii) 


viii  PREFACE. 

and  here  is  the  result:  a  book  written  by  a  very 
young  author,  for  the  l)enefit  of  3'oung  men.  I 
hope  they  will  read  it,  and  be  fired  with  an  am- 
bition that  may  be  vindicated. 

R.  A.  Young. 

Nashvillk,  Tens.,  Jan.  1st,  1861. 


PERSONAaES. 


EDWARD    EVERETT, 

THE    AMERICAN    CICERO. 

Some  of  tlie  ladies  of  the  Mound  City  have 
formed  an  association,  called  the  "  Mount  Vernon 
Association."  Their  object  is  to  raise  funds,  and 
assist  in  purchasing  the  home  and  grave  of  "Wash- 
ington. On  Monday  evening,  April  13,  I  attended 
their  first  public  meeting ;  at  which  the  officers  of 
the  Association  were  elected,  and  to  which  Major 
Wright  delivered  a  very  handsome  address.  Two 
United  States  Senators  —  Polk,  of  Missouri,  and 
Crittenden,  of  Kentucky — had  been  announced; 
but  the  emergencies  of  business  carried  one  out  of 
the  city,  and  indisposition  detained  the  other  at 


10  PERSONAGES. 

home.  At  the  conclusion  of  his  speech,  !Major 
Wright  announced  that  the  ladies  of  the  Associa- 
tion had  secured  the  services  of  the  Hon.  Edward 
Everett  for  the  next  Monday  evening,  at  Avhich 
time  he  would  appear,  and  deliver  his  "  Oration  on 
the  Life  and  Character  of  Washington." 

Long  before  the  hour  arrived  for  Mr.  Everett's 
oration,  tickets  had  been  sold  at  fifty  cents  apiece 
to  as  many  persons  as  could  be  crammed  in  the 
large  hall  of  the  Mercantile  Library  Building.  I 
went  an  hour  before  the  time,  and  was  met  by  a 
friend  on  the  ground  floor,  who  told  mc  the  hall 
was  filled.  As  I  ascended  stairway  after  stairway, 
I  met  crowds  coming  down,  going  home.  To  Dr. 
Spaulding,  one  of  the  "masters  of  ceremonies"  for 
the  evening,  I  am  indebted  to  a  seat  in  hearing  of 
the  speaker. 

At  the  appointed  time,  the  orator  appeared  upon 
the  platform,  and  ddivcrcd  his  oration,  without 
reading-desk  or  notes,  and  with  that  grace  and 
fervor  for  which  he  is  so  celebrated.  It  is  under- 
stood that  Mr.  Everett  is  the  most  accomplished 
speaker,  according  to  the  rules  laid  down  in  books, 
this  country  has  ever  produced.  With  this  under- 
standing I  went  to  hear  him,  and  was  very  agree- 
ably disappointed;    for  he  does  occasionally  lose 


EDWARD    EVERETT.  11 

8iglit  of  the  proprieties  of  elocution,  and  follow 
the  impulses  of  his  noble  nature.  His  lower  limbs 
move  with  much  ease,  and  he  occupies  a  considera- 
ble area  of  the  platform.  He  gestures  more  at  the 
beginning  of  his  speech  than  at  the  conclusion, 
and  altogether  too  much  with  his  left  hand.  He 
speaks  loudly — right  on — rapidl}'  from  the  start.  I 
record  these  things  with  much  gratification ;  be- 
cause I  am  always  best  pleased  with  a  good  and 
great  speaker  who  violates  about  half  the  rules  of 
rhetoric  and  elocution. 

As  old  Dr.  Baird  says,  "!N"ow,  as  to  this  man's 
personal  appearance,  let  me  inform  you  it  is  very 
fine."  And  his  voice,  in  cultivation  and  compass, 
excels  an}^  in  our  land.  Mr.  Everett's  reasoning 
powers  are  not  remarkable,  though  his  understand- 
ing of  logic  and  its  kindred  sciences  is  said  to  be 
almost  perfect.  His  narrative  and  descriptive  pas- 
sages, his  groupings  and  illustrations,  are  worthy 
of  admiration  and  study.  He  draws  a  striking 
contrast,  and  quotes  with  familiarity  from  every 
department  of  human  learning.  It  would  be  im- 
polite not  to  laugh  at  his  wit — it  is  so  refined.  Mr. 
Everett  dwells  upon  the  life  and  character  of  "Wash- 
ington with  the  heart  of  a  lover ;  and  this  oration 
has  brought  tears  to  the  eyes  of  many  delighted 


12  PERSONAGES. 

thousands.  Though  by  no  means  his  masterpiece, 
it  lias  inseparably  connected  his  name  with  the 
enterprise  whose  design  is  to  purchase  the  tomb 
and  farm  of  George  Washington.  It  has  been 
delivered  about  thirty  times,  and  has  put  perhaps 
twenty  thousand  dollars  into  the  treasuries  of  the 
various  "Mount  Vernon  Associations"  of  the 
countr}'. 

Washington  University  was  "inaugurated"  dur- 
ing Mr.  Everett's  stay  in  St.  Louis.  On  "Wednes- 
day, April  22,  the  audience  assembled  in  the 
* 'Academic  Hall"  of  the  University  Building,  and 
were  read  io  by  President  Elliott,  one  of  the  Pro- 
fessors, and  ex-^Iayor  IIow ;  and  were  spoken  io  by 
Judge  Treat,  Dr.  Post,  and  Judge  Bates.  In  the 
afternoon  the  Mercantile  Library  Hall  was  full  to 
overflowing,  to  witness  the  concluding  exercises, 
and  hear  the  concluding  address  from  Mr.  Everett. 
This  address  occupied  two  hours  in  the  delivery, 
and  I  dismiss  it  by  saying,  it  is  independent  of 
criticism,  and  beyond  the  reach  of  praise.  An 
Episcopal  dignitary  thought  the  AVashington  ora- 
tion was  child's  prattle  when  compared  to  it;  and 
my  friend,  Dr.  Pope,  said  he  could  conceive  of 
nothing  beyond  it.  What  a  pity  that  the  mind 
of  Edward  Everett  was  ever  diverted,  even  for  a 


EDWARD    EVERETT.  13 

single  week,  from  tlie  cliannel  of  religion  and  lite- 
rature ! 

By  request,  Mr.  Everett  remained  in  the  city 
until  Saturday  evening,  and  repeated  liis  "  Oration 
on  the  Life  and  Character  of  Washington."  The 
Church  of  the  Messiah,  said  to  be  the  largest  in 
the  place,  was  crowded  with  people — entrance,  fifty 
cents. 

I  write  purely  from  memor3^  Edward  Everett 
is  descended  from  one  of  the  oldest  families  in 
America.  The  name  of  his  first  American  ances- 
tor, Richard  Everett,  appears  in  the  archives  of  the 
village  of  Dedham  as  early  as  1630.  His  grand- 
father, Ebenezer  Everett,  was  a  good  New  England 
farmer.  His  father,  Oliver  Everett,  was  first  a 
carpenter;  afterwards  graduated  at  Harvard,  and 
became  pastor  of  the  new  South  Church,  Boston ; 
after  this  retired  to  the  village  of  Dorchester,  and 
became  a  justice.  Here  the  subject  of  my  sketch 
was  born,  1794. 

Edward  Everett  entered  Harvard  University  in 
his  thirteenth  year,  and  graduated  in  his  seven- 
teenth, a  prodigy  of  talents  and  scholarship.  He 
preferred  the  law,  but  his  friends  and  relations 
urged  him  to  study  theology.  He  completed  the 
course  in  the  Divinity  School  at  Cambridge  in  his 


14  TERSONAOES. 

nineteenth  year,  and  was  immediately  called  to  the 
pulpit  of  Brattle  Street  Church,  Boston,  made 
vacant  by  the  melancholy  death  of  a  wonderful 
young  man,  the  Bev.  Joseph  Stevens  Buckminster. 

Mr.  Everett  was  going  on  twenty  when  he  be- 
came the  pastor  of  the  largest,  most  wealthy,  and 
most  intellectual  society  in  Boston.  And,  though 
he  followed  the  most  remarkable  pulpit  orator  of 
that  day,  he  succeeded  in  holding  his  congrega- 
tion, and  doing  good.  In  addition  to  his  pastoral 
labors,  he  wrote  a  book  of  five  hundred  pages  in 
less  than  twelve  months,  and  published  it !  It  was 
called  "A  Defence  of  Christianit}^,"  and  was  in 
reply  to  an  infidel  publication — "  Christianity  Ex- 
amined," etc.  I  wonder  if  it  will  be  reimhllshcd 
with  his  other  works ! 

Before  he  was  twenty -one,  Mr.  Everett  was 
elected  Professor  of  the  Greek  Language  and  Lite- 
rature in  Harvard  University,  with  the  permission 
to  go  to  Europe  to  recruit  his  health  and  complete 
his  studies.  lie  spent  the  first  winter  in  England ; 
the  second  in  Germany,  where  he  studied  German, 
and  visited  various  colleges  and  universities.  The 
translator  of  Plato,  M.  Cousin,  met  him  in  Ger- 
many, and,  after  making  his  acquaintance,  pro- 
nounced him  the  best  Grecian  he  had  ever  known. 


EDWARD    EVERETT.  15 

Mr.  Everett  passed  Ms  third  winter  in  Paris,  pre- 
paring for  the  duties  of  his  professorship ;  his 
fourth  in  Eome,  where  he  studied  ancient  litera- 
ture in  the  library  of  the  Vatican.  He  returned  to 
the  United  States  in  1819,  having  been  absent  four 
years  and  a  half,  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office. 

During  the  five  years  which  Mr.  Everett  spent  as 
Professor  at  Cambridge,  he  delivered  lectures  on 
the  Greek  Language,  Literature,  and  Art;  pub- 
lished a  Greek  Grammar  and  a  Greek  Reader ;  and 
edited  the  North  American  Review.  For  this  peri- 
odical he  wrote  fifty  elaborate  articles  ! 

He  entered  the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
about  the  year  1825,  and  was  a  member  of  that 
body  for  ten  years.  He  was  a  working,  not  a 
speaking  member.  In  this  time,  he  wrote  sixty 
articles,  currciite  calamo,  for  the  North  Americnn 
Review!  Also  twenty-seven  orations  on  various 
subjects,  and  for  divers  occasions,  which  were  given 
to  the  public  in  1836.  Li  the  year  1829,  Mr.  Ever- 
ett made  a  tour  through  the  valley  of  the  Missis- 
sippi. He  spoke  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  Nashville, 
Tenn.  Public  dinners  were  given  him  at  both 
places.  Li  1836,  he  was  elected  Governor  of  Mas- 
sachusetts ;  also  in  1837,  1838,  and  1839. 


10  PERSONAGES. 

Mr.  Everett  was  appointed  Minister  to  England 
in  1841 ;  and  during  the  whole  of  the  five  years 
which  he  spent  at  the  Court  of  St.  James,  he  wore 
the  plain  dress  of  an  American  citizen.  I  hope 
the  ministers  of  this  young  republic,  who  may  be 
sent  to  the  gay  and  luxuriant  capitals  of  the  old 
world,  will  ever  copy  his  example,  and  never  be- 
deck their  persons  with  the  gewgaws  of  royalty. 
The  old  University  of  Cambridge  conferred  the 
degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws  on  Mr.  Everett  while  he 
resided  at  London. 

Mr.  Everett  returned  in  1846,  and  on  the  30th 
day  of  April,  in  that  year,  was  inaugurated  Presi- 
dent of  Harvard  University.  Since  then  he  has 
been,  for  a  short  time.  Secretary  of  State,  and  a 
member  of  the  United  States  Senate.  He  is  now 
a  private  gentleman. 

Mr.  Everett  has  not  made  the  most  of  life. 
True,  he  has  been  successful  in  every  thing  he  has 
undertaken ;  but  he  has  undertaken  too  many 
things.  He  has  been  industrious — no  man  of  his 
day  has  been  more  so  ;  but  it  is  evident  the  organ 
of  "continuity"  is  not  well  developed  on  his  head, 
and  has  not  been  well  "cultivated"  in  his  life.  As 
a  divine,  he  might  have  been  the  greatest  light  of 
the  American  Churches;    in  literature,  he  might 


EDWARD    EVERETT.  17 

have  been  a  star,  and  dwelt  apart ;  as  a  writer,  lie 
miglit  have  boon  the  Addison  of  America ;  as  an 
orator,  he  might  have  been  the  greatest  that  has 
trodden  the  world's  stage  for  centuries;  and  as  a 
statesman,  he  might  have  equalled  "Webster:  but 
he  is  not  any  of  these  things,  and,  I  may  say,  has 
almost  frittered  away  his  Avonderful  mind.  Think 
of  fift}^  articles  for  the  North  American ;  then  sixty 
articles  more  while  his  brother  was  editor;  then 
twenty -seven  published  orations  —  add  to  these 
twenty-seven  unpublished ;  and  you  have  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-four  compositions,  on  different  sub- 
jects, all  thrown  off  in  the  midst  of  other  and 
pressing  engagements  —  the  mere  triflings  of  a 
laborious  student  and  statesman !  Had  the  time 
spent  in  these  writings  been  bestowed  on  the  ela- 
boration of  exhaustive  volumes  on  great  subjects, 
the  reputation  of  Edward  Everett  would  have  been 
familiar  to  the  "Last  Man." 

A  poet  also  he  is ;  and  did  my  space  permit,  I 
would  give  you  a  specimen  of  his  verse-making, 
from  the  "Dirge  of  Alaric  the  Visigoth." 

Mr.  Everett  dwells  in  Cambridge,  Mass.  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  being  at  his  house  in  the  year 
ISi'd.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Unitarian  Chtirch, 


18  PERSONAGES. 

and  a  man  whose  moral  character  is  without  a 
stain.  "Withal,  he  has  gathered  ahout  him  a  multi- 
tude of  friends,  and  an  ample  fortune. 

St.  Louis,  April  28,  1857. 


REV.     JOHN    HANNAH,     D.D.  19 


REV.  JOHN  HANNAH,  D.  D., 

BRITISH    DELEGATE. 

A  RIDE  on  the  rail,  commencing  at  five  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon,  and  ending  at  one  o'clock  the 
next  day,  makes  the  trip  from  St.  Louis  to  Indian- 
apolis. Only  twenty  hours  out !  and  one  crosses 
the  Father  of  Waters,  the  country  of  the  Suckers, 
and  enters  deep  into  the  land  of  the  Hoosiers. 
Dickens  thinks  the  Americans  call  almost  every 
little  collection  of  houses  "a  cit}-."  Very  good. 
The  capital  of  Indiana  is  a  citi/,  of  "magnificent 
distances."  Every  man  seems  to  have  as  much 
amplitude  of  street,  yard,  garden,  lot,  as  could  be 
desired,  out  of  the  country;  and  to  content  him- 
self with  a  small  house,  elegantly  built.  In  num- 
ber, and  architectural  beauty,  and  perfect  adapta- 
tion to  the  purposes  for  which  they  have  been 
constructed,  the  public  buildings  of  Indianapolis 
would  be  creditable  to  any  place  of  its  size.  Out 
of  Washington  City,  I  have  seen  no  place  where 


20  PERSONAOES. 

they  form  ro  prominent  a  feature.  The  liospitality 
of  tlio  citizens  is  not  rcraarkahle.  A  member  of 
the  General  Conference  wrote  during  the  session : 
"  The  resources  of  private  hospitality  are  com- 
pletely exhausted!"  A  Southern  village,  of  twelve 
or  fifteen  hundred  inhabitants,  will  entertain  an 
Annual  Conference,  with  its  crowds  of  visitors — its 
separate  families  complain  while  you  are  there  that 
they  have  nol  as  many  guests  as  they  agreed  to 
take — petition  the  Conference  to  assemble  there  the 
next  year ;  but  the  city  of  Indianapolis,  with  four 
years  to  make  ready,  cannot  entertain  a  General 
Conference  of  two  hundred  and  twenty  members 
without  exhausting  the  resources  of  its  private 
hospitality,  completely !  There  were  also  about  two 
hundred  visitors,  official  and  unofficial,  attending 
the  session.  Most  of  the  "unofficials"  were  able 
to  pay  their  board  ;  and  all  of  them  found  an  oppor- 
tunity of  doing  so,  at  from  four  to  fourteen  dollars 
per  week.     If  any  of  m}'  acquaintances, 

•'Sailing  o'er  life's  Bolemn  main," 

should  land  at  Indianapolis,  my  advice  is,  go  at 
once  to  the  "  Bates  House."  There  you  will  find  a 
man  behind  the  desk,  who  can  decide  in  so  short  a 
space  of  time  as  from  dinner  to  dark,  exactly  what 


REV.     JOHN     HANNAH,     D.D.  21 

room  you  arc  to  occup}^ — particularly  if  you  are  in 
a  hurry — and  who  can  make  up  his  mind,  between 
supper  and  bedtime,  tluit  you  can't  have  thai  room  ! 
Dost  thou  trace  these  lines,  0  vinegar-nosed  clerk 
of  the  "Bates  House,"  who  triedst  to  oust  me  from 
number  forty-six,  "at  dead  of  night,"  and  failedst? 
I  will  mark  the  place,  and  send  them  to  thee.  These 
things  aside,  Indianapolis  is  a  charming  place.  I 
know  of  no  place  north  of  Mason  and  Dixon's  line 
I  would  select  for  a  home  sooner  than  this.  •  Churches 
are  abundant,  and  w^ell  filled ;  and,  during  the  ses- 
sion of  the  General  Conference,  of  course,  Method- 
ism was  the  "  established  religion."  It  is  the  head- 
quarters of  Dr.  Ames,  the  youngest,  and  one  of  the 
ablest.  Bishops  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
The  Rev.  John  Hannah,  D.D.,  senior  representa- 
tive of  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Conference  of  Great 
Britain  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States,  was  the  guest  of  his  Excellency, 
Governor  Wright.  Among  a  people  like  the  Eng- 
lish, who  pay  great  deference  to  position,  and  wor- 
ship men  in  high  political  places,  this  fact  will  be 
mentioned.  In  this  country,  where  the  majority  of 
men  are  sovereigns,  and  distinguished  men  arc  so 
abundant,  it  is  difficult  to  determine  which  was 
complimented.    Governor  "Wright  is  a  shrewd  man, 


SJ,  PERSONAGES. 

and  a  successful  politician  :  Dr.  Hannah  is  a  useful 
preacher,  and  a  sound  theologian  :  both  are  men  of 
talents,  without  an  atom  of  genius. 

Dr.  Hannah  had  been  received  by  the  General 
Conference,  and  had  delivered  his  opening  address — 
Lad  preached  in  "Wesley  Chapel,  on  Sunday,  to  an 
overflowing  house — and  had  made  a  model  speech 
at  the  Anniversary  of  the  Tract  Society — before  the 
day  arrived  for  the  delivery  of  his  sermon  to  the 
General  Conference,  as  a  body.  This  sermon  was 
preached  in  the  afternoon  of  AVednesday,  May  14th, 
in  Wesley  Chapel,  before  the  entire  Conference. 
The  text  was  2  Cor.  v.  21 :  "  For  he  hath  made  him 
to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin,  that  we  might 
be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him."  The 
subject  was:  "Reconciliation,  and  the  Ministry  of 
Reconciliation."  At  tlic  time,  I  could  have  given 
3()u  the  outlines  of  the  sermon  quite  easily;  but,  as 
soon  as  the  final  Amen  was  pronounced,  on  motion 
of  the  Rev.  John  A.  Collins,  of  Baltimore,  the  Con- 
forencG  resolved  to  publish  it.  So  I  dismissed  them 
from  my  mind. 

This  was  a  great  occasion.  Dr.  Hannah  was  Inlly 
himself,  I  am  told.  He  is  a  large,  solid,  old  man, 
with  a  bald  head,  and  a  florid  complexion.  He 
dresses  with  perfect  taste,  and  in  the  latest  style. 


REV.     JOHN    HANNAH,     D.D.  23 

On  this  occasion,  lie  was  clad  precisely  as  an  Eug- 
lisli  gentleman  clothes  himself  to  meet  a  dinner- 
party. He  wore  about  as  much  jewelry,  in  the  pul- 
pit, as  a  well-bred  English  gentleman  ever  wears — 
namely,  a  watch,  chain,  and  seal.  I  looked  at  my 
poor,  old-fashioned,  dusty,  slovenly  garb,  and 
thought:  "If  neatness  is  the  product  of  godliness, 
my  preacher,  to-day,  must  be  a  most  holy  person  ; 

and  I  must  be" Well,  I  grieve  to  speak  it. 

Dr.  Hannah  stands  up,  and  reads  his  lessons,  re- 
cites his  hymns,  and  offers  prayer,  in  a  constrained, 
smothered,  and  monotonous  style,  as  all  Englishmen 
do  whom  I  have  heard.  Some  preachers  can  be 
natural  and  easy  ever^^where  but  in  the  pulpit.  The 
moment  they  get  into  that  box,  naturalness  seems 
"clean  gone  for  ever."  Like  all  the  English  Wes- 
leyan  Methodist  preachers  whom  I  have  observed, 
Dr.  Hannah  stands  up  to  pray.  They  kneel  at  home : 
the  kneeling  arrangements  in  English  churches  arc 
quite  sumptuous.  When  they  come  over  to  this 
country,  they  decline  kneeling  in  dust  and  dirt; 
they  only  recline  forward — bow  their  hearts.  "When- 
ever I  see  a  minister  of  the  gospel  violating  the  dic- 
tates of  his  conscience,  the  plain  instructions  of 
God's  word,  and  the  rules  of  his  Church,  to  avoid 
a  little  dust,  I  am    reminded  of  the  old  negro's 


24  PERSONAGES. 

cxprcRsion,  after  attending  service  in  a  fiisliionable 
eliurcli :  '•  Uu^li !  deux  peoples  worship  de  Lord  same 
like  he  was  a  gentleman !"  Then  came  the  sermon 
— so  simple — so  critical — so  perfect !  A  good,  and 
gracious,  and  glorious  gospel  sermon  was  tliis  !  It 
instructed  one's  head,  thawed  out  his  heart,  and 
melted  his  eyes.  No  manuscript,  thank  God — no 
jiotably  dull  "notes" — no  strutting  performer  de- 
livering memoriter — claimed  the  attention  of  the 
vast,  motley,  and  magnificent  assemblage ;  but  a 
great  and  good  man,  from  a  full  intellect  and  a 
warm  heart,  preached  to  us  "  the  glorious  gospel  of 
Christ."  It  has  been  my  good  fortune  to  listen  to 
many  good  sermons  :  this  was  among  the  very  best 
I  have  heard.  It  was  an  expository  sermon. 
"Firstly,"  "Secondly,"  "Thirdly,"  etc.,  were  in 
the  preacher's  mind ;  but  he  did  not  annoy  the  dis- 
ciples of  Abel  Stevens  by  announcing  them  "  homi- 
letically."  The  composition  was  irradiated  with 
thought,  and  beautified  and  strengthened  by  quota- 
tions from  the  Sacred  Scriptures.  There  was  not  a 
single  (quotation,  noticed,  from  any  other  book. 
This  characteristic  of  Dr.  Hannah's  preaching  was 
alluded  to  by  Mr.  Collins,  at  the  time  he  ofiered  the 
resolution  to  publish ;  and  by  the  venerable  Bishop 
AVaugh,    before    the    General     Conference.       Dr. 


REV.     JOHN    HANNAH,     D.D.  25 

Hannah  is  not  brilliant,  nor  eloquent,  but  perfectly 
sound. 

He  is  an  Englishman  by  birth,  and  is  sixty-four 
years  of  age.  In  his  thirty-second  year,  that  is  to 
say,  thirty-two  years  ago,  he  accompanied  Mr.  Reese 
to  this  country.  They  were  the  British  delegates 
to  the  General  Conference  which  sat  in  Baltimore, 
May,  1824.  Since  then,  he  was  appointed  a  Profes- 
sor in  the  Wesleyan  Theological  Seminary,  at  Dids- 
bury.  He  is  now  principal  Professor  in  that  insti- 
tution. Hundreds  of  "Wesleyan  Methodist  preachers 
have  received  instruction  from  him.  So  Dr.  Han- 
nah may  be  put  down  on  the  side  of  theological 
seminaries.  And  (supposing  an  .interval  of  two 
weeks  between  the  mention  of  our  names)  you  may 
put  me  down  against  them.  As  an  author,  he  has 
written  much,  and  published  little.  I  have  a  small 
volume  from  his  pen  in  my  library ;  which  I  have 
read  frequently,  and  with  much  profit.  It  is  said 
that  we  arc  to  have  Hannah's  Theological  Institutes, 
now,  soon.  John  Calvin's  Institutes — the  found- 
ation of  Calvinistic  churches  and  Calvinistic  theo- 
logy— w^ere  published  before  he  was  twenty-five 
years  old !  Watson's  Theological  Institutes  were 
written  in  a  great  hurry — their  composition  engaged 
Richard  Watson  only  one  year  and  a  few  months  ! 


26  PERSONAGES. 

If  there  is  truth  in  man,  tlic  present  text-book  of 
universal  Methodism  was  composed  in  haste.  Dr. 
Hannah  does  not  like  it — does  not  use  it,  as  a  text- 
book, in  his  school.  It  is  hoped  his  Theological 
Institutes  have  been  the  work  of  a  lifetime. 

He  is  probabl}'  the  ablest  theologian,  as  well  as 
one  of  the  best  men,  among  the  living  followers  of 
John  Wesley.  As  Carlyle  says  of  Edward  Irving, 
he  strives  to  be  a  Christian  priest  in  the  nineteenth 
century.  And  although  he  said  nothing,  privately, 
socially,  or  i)ublicly,  from  which  one  could  infer  that 
he  had  ever  heard  of  the  Methodist  Episcoj)al 
Church,  South ;  still,  I  wish  him  a  serene  old  age, 
a  hapi>y  death,  a  decent  burial,  immortal  fame,  and 
a  glorious  resurrection. 

Here  is  the  substance  of  Dr.  Hannah's  great 
speech,  delivered  in  Roberts'  Chapel,  Indianapolis, 
at  the  Anniversary  of  the  Parent  Tract  Society  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  It  is  given  as  a 
specimen  of  his  platform-speaking : 

He  said  it  was  worthy  of  attention,  that  the  New 
Testament  Scriptures  had  been  issued  in  inspired 
tracts.  They  were  not  issued  connectedly,  but  were 
severally  adapted  to  times  and  circumstances,  and 
their  sublime  truths  were  couched  in  the  simple 
language  of  the  people.     We  have  thus  a  high,  a 


REV.    JOHN    nANNAII,     D.D.  27 

Divine  pattern  in  tlae  tract  operations.  It  is  worthy 
of  remark,  too,  that  with  the  revival  of  primitive 
religion,  came  the  revival  of  this  peculiar  feature. 
Look  at  the  Keformation,  inaugurated  by  Luther. 
The  tracts  which  were  scattered  among  the  people, 
did  more  to  bring  about  this  great  movement,  and 
give  it  ultimate  success,  than  did  the  elaborate  and 
j>onderous  volumes.  "Wesley  understood  this  mat- 
ter, and  in  this  respect  he  was  fifty  years  in  advance 
of  his  contemporaries.  He  was  assiduous  in  the 
distribution  of  tracts.  He  himself  had  seen  many 
a  sermon  issued  by  Wesley,  having  printed  on  its 
title-page  :  "  This  tract  is  not  to  be  sold,  but  given 
away."  These  shorter  pieces  had  done  more  than 
any  thing  else  in  these  great  movements ;  and  in 
issuing  them  they  had  followed  the  high  example 
of  the  inspired  apostles  themselves. 

Dr.  Hannah  went  on  to  say,  that  we  had  great 
reason  to  rejoice  that  the  Tract  Society  had  such 
sway  here.  He  had  listened  with  profound  interest 
to  the  address  of  Dr.  Peck.  As  these  exhibitions 
passed  before  him,  he  was  enabled  to  see  more  and 
more  the  great  links  of  union  which  bind  Great 
Britain  and  these  United  States  together,  and  he 
trusted  in  God  that  these  links  might  never  be 
broken.    He  adverted  to  the  operations  of  the  Tract 


28  PERSONAGES. 

Societies  in  Great  Britain,  and  was  truly  rejoiced  to 
find  that  so  much  had  been  done  here.  It  is  hard 
to  comprehend  statistics  in  such  cases.  The  naked 
figures  do  not  exhibit  all  the  facts  in  the  case.  We 
are  told  that  twelve  hundred  persons  have  been 
converted  and  brought  into  the  Church  during  the 
last  three  years.  But  who  can  follow  the  influence 
of  these  twelve  hundred  persons  upon  the  world  at 
large  ?  And  who  can  tell  how  many  more  have 
been  indirectly  brought  into  the  Church  through 
this  instrumentality  ?  He  devoutly  trusted  that  the 
Tract  Society  will  yet  be  more  useful,  both  in  this 
conntr}'  and  Great  Britain.  He  would  further  call 
attention, 

1.  To  the  peculiar  character  of  these  tracts,  and 
their  adaptation  to  the  ends  they  are  designed  to 
accomplish.  They  are  biographic,  historic,  moni- 
tory, and  didactic.  lie  did  not  altogether  agree 
with  the  remark  that  a  great  book  is  a  great  evil : 
there  are  subjects  which  can  only  be  properly  ela- 
borated in  large  volumes ;  but  for  purposes  of  prac- 
tical instruction,  tracts  have  greatly  the  advantage. 
Tln'ir  wide  range  of  topics  makes  them  applicable 
to  all  conditions  of  humanity. 

2.  They  associate  the  circulation  of  trutli  printed 
with  the    power  of  truth  spoken.      Nothing  can 


REV.     JOHN    HANNAH,     D.D.  29 

supply  the  place  of  the  living  teacher — the  com- 
mand was 'to  go  and  preach  the  gospel.  The  great 
Head  of  the  Church  had  ordained  the  living  teacher, 
and  he  could  not  be  displaced  or  dispensed  with. 
But  these  tracts  go  not  out  alone — they  are  circu- 
lated by  living  teachers,  who  thus  have  the  oppor- 
tunity of  enforcing  the  truths  which  they  contain. 
The  students  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Dids- 
bury,  England,  where  he  had  the  honor  to  be  placed, 
devote  one  afternoon  of  each  week  to  tract-distri- 
bution in  the  village  and  its  suburbs.  This  plan 
gives  them  direct  access  to  the  people,  and  thus 
affords  them  great  opportunities  of  doing  good. 
He  honored  the  tract-distributor,  and  hoped  the 
time  will  speedily  come  when  all  the  Lord's  people 
will  be  found  heartily  engaged  in  this  great  and 
good  work. 

He  fully  endorsed  the  reference  of  Dr.  Peck  to 
the  harmony  which  existed  between  all  the  great 
Christian  benevolent  societies.  Christianity  is  the 
greatest  unity.  A  beautiful  illustration  was  here 
introduced  of  the  assemblage  of  the  Christian 
graces.  The  apostle  said  that  the  fruit — not  the 
fruits — but  "the/mi  of  the  Spirit  is  love,"  etc.  It 
is  meekness  working  by  love,  temperance  working 
by  love,  etc.     Love  was  in  all  and  through  all.    As 


30  PERSONAGES. 

God  is  love,  so  the  one  undivided  fruit  of  tlic  Spirit 
is  love.  The  idea  which  he  wished  to  enforce  is, 
that  as  Christianity  is  one,  and  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit 
is  one,  so  these  great  auxiliary  institutions  of  the 
Churcli  are  one.  Each  exerts  an  influence  upon  the 
other,  and  they  mutually  assist  each  other.  He 
tlien  related  an  anecdote  concerning  an  individual 
who  ohjected  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
ciety, on  the  score  that  it  would  act  injuriously 
upon  a  society  already  established,  to  which  he  be- 
longed. When  asked  how  much  he  contributed  to 
the  society  for  whose  safety  he  was  so  anxious,  it 
came  out  that  he  contributed  just  nothing  at  all. 
lie  was  fearful  many  of  those  who  raised  the  objec- 
tion that  too  many  institutions  would  conllict  with 
each  other,  would  be  found  in  the  same  condition, 
rraetical  things  arc  best  learned  by  practice,  and 
the  more  we  do,  the  more  we  can  do.  lie  devoutly 
trusted  that  all  these  great  institutions  may  flourish 
yet  more  and  more,  and  tind  themselves  working 
together  in  harmony,  and  mutually  assisting  each 
other.  The  day  of  unity  will  come  :  it  is  nearer 
than  many  suppose.  It  may  not  be  a  union  of  sen- 
timent, but  it  will  be  a  union  of  love  and  of  Chris- 
tian labor. 

Un  Monday  afternoon,  May  lUth,  we  had  a  scene 


REV.     JOHN    HANNAH,     D.D.  31 

worth  witnessing.  Bishop  Morris  arose  and  said, 
that  as  the  representatives  of  the  British  Confer- 
ence were  ahout  to  leave  the  seat  of  the  General 
Conference,  to  return  to  their  native  country,  he 
desired  that  they  might  be  permitted  at  this  time  to 
take  their  leave. 

Dr.  Hannah  then  rose,  and,  addressing  the  Pre- 
sident, remarked,  that  he  desired  he  would  receive 
for  himself  and  for  his  respected  colleagues,  and  all 
the  members  of  the  General  Conference,  the  warmest 
expression  of  gratitude  for  the  kindness  they  had 
received  at  their  introduction ;  and  the  same  kind- 
ness which  had  been  continued  to  them  during  their 
stay.  They  trusted  that  the  delegates  which  should 
be  appointed  to  attend  the  session  of  their  Confer- 
ence by  this  body,  will  meet  with  the  same  large- 
hearted  kindness. 

The  Doctor  remarked  that  the  great  object  of 
their  visit  was  to  promote  a  greater  union  between 
English  and  American  Methodism.  They  did  not 
feel  willing  to  enter  into  any  discussion  in  regard 
to  questions  which  might  agitate  them,  and  which 
they  could  not  fully  understand,  unless  they  were 
more  acquainted  with  the  country,  and  the  nature 
and  genius  of  its  in'stitutions.  Their  exclusive  ob- 
ject was  to  express  their  warmest  regards,  and  they 


82  PERSONAQES. 

most  sincerely  prayed  tliat  Methodism  on  both  sides 
of  the  Atlantic  might  he  one.  Ho  was  peculiarly 
struck  with  one  thing,  and  that  was,  that  in  doc- 
trine, and,  si)irit,  and  aim,  Methodism  in  America 
was  in  accordance  with  the  Church  in  its  primitive 
days.  He  jtrayod  that  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers 
might  he  among  them,  and  that  they  might  ever 
possess  the  same  spirit  and  apostolical  zeal  that 
characterized  those  whose  footsteps  they  were  fol- 
lowing, lie  admired  the  manner  in  which  Method- 
ism adapted  itself  to  the  circumstances  by  which  it 
was  surrounded,  lie  tliought  of  the  sentiment 
advanced  by  Bengelius,  and  adopted  by  ^Ir.  Wes- 
ley, that  religion  was  like  the  air,  which  yields  to 
all  bodies,  and  yet  penetrates  and  pervades  all 
bodies :  so  with  Methodism ;  it  was  yielding  and 
accommodating,  yet  penetrating  and  all-pervading. 
The  Doctor  remarked  that  there  were  some  plans 
of  operation  adopted  by  the  Church  here,  which, 
of  course,  diiVered  from  their  plans ;  but  though 
the  plans  difi'ered,  the  great  ends  were  kej)t  in 
view.  lie  was  gratified  witli  the  tone  and  senti- 
ment of  the  Conference,  and  the  general  spirit 
which  prevailed  among  the  members,  and  he  hoped 
that  it  would  remain  throughout  the  entire  sittings 
of  the  body,     lie  was  not  ignorant  of  the  fact  that 


REV.    JOHN    HANNAH,     D.D.  33 

questions  of  deep  and  stirriiig  interest  would  come 
before  them,  and  claim  their  investigation ;  but  lie 
trusted  they  would  be  able,  b}'-  the  help  of  God,  to 
meet  those  questions,  and  dispose  of  them  to  the 
benefit  and  spiritual  prosperity  of  the  Church.  He 
would  also  express  his  gratitude  for  the  kind  and 
hospitable  manner  in  which  the  Irish  delegates  were 
received.  He  loved  those  brethren  much.  He  was 
strongly  attached  to  Mr.  Scott,  and  his  old  pupil, 
Mr.  Arthur,  who  had  been  with  us,  and  to  Mr. 
Gather.  He  also  felt  grateful  for  the  interest  the 
American  Church  had  taken  in  their  mission  at 
Fejee,  and  spoke  most  feelingly  of  the  missionary 
who  had  labored  with  such  zeal  and  devotion  as  to 
become  an  old  man  at  thirty-five.  He  alluded  to 
the  difficulties  there,  and  to  the  timely  interference 
in  its  behalf.  He  prayed  that  the  Lord  God,  who 
had  raised  up  the  Methodists  as  a  people  to  show 
forth  his  praise  in  the  earth,  might  keep  them  by 
his  power  ;  that  He  who  had  kept  the  old  ship  with 
its  rigging,  and  enabled  it  to  breast  the  storms 
through  which  it  had  passed,  would  bring  it  to  the 
haven  ;  that  the  God  of  heaven  would  be  with  us, 
and  pour  out  his  Spirit ;  and  that  from  Passama- 
quoddy  to  the  Pacific,  the  light  and  truth  of  salva- 
tion  might  spread.     He   then   addressed  Bishop 


34  PERSONAGES. 

Morris,  and  said :  "  I  now  take  my  leave  of  your- 
self and  your  respected  colleagues,  and  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Conference ;  and  may  the  God  of  all 
grace  guide  you  in  your  deliberations,  aud  preserve 
you  to  his  heavenl}'  kingdom  !" 

This  is  the  substance  o??7y.  The  manner !  0^  the 
wanner  !  how  unctuous — how  patriarchal !  Bishop 
AVaugh  responded,  at  some  length,  and  with  much 
feeling.  AVhen  he  closed  his  remarks,  every  mem- 
ber, every  spectator  in  that  vast  llall  rose  from  his 
seat,  to  spend  one  minute  in  silent  prn3'er,  for  the 
safe  return  of  the  foreign  brethren  to  their  fiimilies 
and  charges.  A  deep  religious  feeling  pervaded 
the  entire  assembly.  Dr.  Hannah  was  overcome 
with  emotion,  as  he  bowed  his  venerable  head,  aud, 
with  a  voice  sweet  and  tremulous,  said :  "  Brethren, 
farewell !  I  shall  never  forget  your  kindness,  nor 
the  scenes  of  this  hour."  Taking  their  leave  of  the 
Bishops,  the  British  representatives  passed  through 
tlie  crowded  hall  and  rotunda  ;  and,  amid  tears,  and 
luxlf-suppressed  sighs,  and  farewell  blessings,  they 
retired  to  their  lodgings  at  the  house  of  the  Gover- 
nor. 

IsDiANAroLio,  Ind.,  May,  1856. 


JOHNB.GOUGH.  85 


JOHN  B.   GOUGH, 

PRINCE     OF     THE     PLATFORJI. 

"Well  done  for  tlie  ladies  of  the  Martha  "Wash- 
ington Society !  They  displayed  more  world-wis- 
dom in  the  employment  of  a  lecturer  this  season 
than  any  Association  of  the  city.  They  all  wanted 
to  furnish  the  puhlic  with  popular  lectures  —  hut 
they  all  wanted  the  puhlic  to  furnish  them  with  a 
large  amount  of  money.  They  needed  lectures 
less — they  needed  funds  more.  The  other  Associ- 
ations announced  great  names — the  Martha  Wash- 
ingtonians  announced  a  great  man  —  a  perfect 
master  of  eloquence.  A  name  "draws"  the  first 
evening,  and  never  "draws"  any  more.  A  man — 
having  "the  gift  of  the  gods" — speaks  to  hundreds 
on  the  first  evening — to  thousands  on  the  last.  A 
name  hrings  out  a  small  audience  twice  a  week. 
A  man  hrings  an  eager  crowd  every  evening,  and 
we  wish  the  evenings  came  twice  as  often.     The 


86  PERSONA  OES. 

other  Associations  employed  handbills  and  pla- 
cards ;  they  pulled  and  reported,  that  an  excite- 
nient  might  be  kejjt  up.  The  Martha  AVashing- 
tonians  announced  the  arrival  of  John  B.  Gouoii  ! 
and,  to  quote  iVom  one  of  our  city  papers,  "a  thrill 
of  delight  passed  through  our  entire  community." 

The  gentlemen  of  the  Library  Association  brought 
on  Professor  Benjamin  Silliman,  Sen.,  the  old  man 
from  Yale  College.  They  issued,  in  elegant  pamph- 
let form,  "A  Programme  of  the  Course  of  Twelve 
Lectures  on  Geology T'  Tuesday  evening,  half-past 
seven  o'clock,  November  6th,  1855,  in  the  Grand 
Hall  of  the  Mercantile  Library  Building,  the  vene- 
rable lecturer  appeared,  ami»ly  8up[)licd  with  repu- 
tation and  rust,  diagrams  and  drawings,  fossils  and 
fishes,  rocks  and  reptiles.  Single  tickets  fifty 
cents  !  A  thousand  people  present,  perhaps.  Tlie 
reader  expects  me  to  say,  that  after  a  few  evenings 
he  came  down  to  the  Small  llall,  and  that  was  not 
filled.  Well,  such  was  the  fact.  It  is  said  the 
Association  sunk  several  hundred  dollars  on  him. 
I  do  not  mean  to  say  that  Professor  Silliman  is  not 
the  ablest  geologist  in  this  country;  that  ho  does 
not  lecture  well  in  his  class-room  at  New  Haven ; 
but  I  do  mean  to  say  that  something  more  is  de- 
manded of  popular  lecturers  than  mere  learning. 


JOHNB.GOUOn.  37 

The  Young  ISIen's  Christian  Association  em- 
ployed The  Right  Rev.  John  Henry  Hopkins, 
D.  D.,  LL.D.,  of  the  Diocese  of  Vermont,  for  a 
course  of  six  lectures.  St.  Ambrose,  what  a 
name !  Look  at  the  prefixes  and  affixes !  That 
name  ought  to  bring  a  crowd !  Ample  posters, 
with  "Bishop  Hopkins  lectures  to-night!"  stared 
upon  you  from  the  corners  of  "  dead-walls."  At 
the  appointed  time,  an  elderly  gentleman — in  re- 
spect of  ^adipose  matter,  suggestive  of  venison 
pasties  and  dainty  bits  of  warden  pie — a  man  of 
the  Bishop  order — that  sort  of  a  Bishop  who  holds 
a  fat  diocese,  and  dispenses  divinity  in  lawn  sleeves 
— appeared  and  read  an  opening  lecture.  The 
young  men  thought  best  to  begin  in  the  Small 
Hall.  After  the  first  evening,  they  thought  best  to 
remain  there.  A  series  of  old  sermons — dull  ones 
at  that — with  the  texts  taken  off  the  tops,  will  not 
answer  for  a  course  of  lectures,  even  in  the  "Far 
"West."  However,  I  suppose  the  course  paid  ex- 
penses, and  more. 

The  Christian  Association  gave  two  other  courses 
of  lectures,  by  the  Rev.  John  Lord.  The  first 
course,  on  the  "  Bourbon  Kings  of  France,"  was  ap- 
preciated and  successful.  The  second  course,  on 
the  "Fathers  of  the  Church,"  was  not  appreciated, 


88  r  E  R  S  0  N  A  <l  E  s . 

and  therefore  unsuccessful.  As  a  brilliant  histo- 
rical lecturer,  I  presume  Mr.  Lord  has  no  equal. 

Three  courses  of  lectures  were  delivered  before 
the  Youns^  Men's  Catholic  Institute,  during  the 
winter.  The  first,  by  the  Hon.  Joseph  R.  Chand- 
ler, an  ex-editor,  and  ex-member  of  Congress,  from 
l*hi!adcli>hia.  The  second  by  Donald  Macleod, 
Esq.,  cx-Episcopal  clergyman.  The  third,  by  Levi 
Silliman  Ives,  ex-Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Korth 
Carolina.  Chandler  read.  iMacleod  declaimed. 
Ives  preached.  Chandler's  audiences  were  bril- 
liant.    Macleod's  were  mixed.     Ives's  were  motley. 

"Xow,  Sir,  you  may  draw  a  figure — John  B. 
Gough  is  coming  to  St.  Louis!"  said  Dr.  Parsons, 
one  morning,  as  he  entered  my  oflice.  On  the 
same  day,  the  Kev.  J.  AVhitaker  said  to  me  :  '"  You 
will  have  a  '  Character' now — Gough  is  coming!" 
I  mean  to  say  that  Mr.  Gough's  visit  to  the  West 
was  a  matter  of  deep  interest  to  many  thousands 
of  peoi)le.  It  was  his  first  visit.  lEc  was  coming 
to  si)eak  in  the  largest  hall  in  tlie  West;  to  replen- 
ish the  treasury  of  one  of  our  noblest  charitable 
Associations.  Theme  —  Temperance.  Hundreds 
of  our  citizens  had  previously  hoard  him  in  the 
Eastern  and  Xorthern  States,  when  he  held  en- 
chained with  his  eloqueuco  the  assembled  multi- 


JOHNB.GOUGH.  39 

tildes.  "They  had  everywhere  witnessed,  as  the 
result  of  liis  labors,  prosperity  and  peace  restored 
to  desolate  homes,  and  the  hearts  of  women  and 
children  leaping  for  joy." 

On  the  first  evening,  he  was  to  appear  at  half- 
after  seven  o'clock.  I  took  a  friend,  and  went  at 
half-after  six,  and  found  the  hall  fast  filling  up.  I 
did  not  expect  to  find  many  of  the  upper  circles 
there.  See !  it  was  a  sort  of  temperance  meeting 
— and  they  did  not  know  whether  the  lecturer  had 
been  to  Europe — or  wore  a  nice  moustache.  But 
several  of  the  remote  were  there.  Eloquence  "  set- 
tles all,"  as  Charles  Lamb  says  of  "print." 

The  reporters  were  quietly  sharpening  their  pen- 
cils, as  if  a  whole  staft'  of  stenographers  could 
report  a  man  who  speaks  so  rapidly — so  vehe- 
mently—  and  so  amazingly — as  John  B.  Gough  ! 
Your  "gallery  men,"  if  they  have  the  ordinary 
kind  of  blood  in  them,  must  find  it  very  difficult 
to  stick  to  the  cold  paper  and  the  desk's  dead 
wood,  when  he  speaks.  The  "boys  about  the 
hall"  were  clearing  the  platform  of  gas-burners, 
desks,  cushions,  and  tables ;  for  they  had  just 
learned  the  lecturer  did  not  read!  And,  now  and 
then,  you  might  see  a  "manager"  of  the  Martha 
Washington  Society,  casting  a  furtive  glance  at  tho 


40  PERSONAGES. 

vast  assemblage,  with  that  ineftable  satisfaction  of 
countenance  which  is  produced  by  the  expectation 
of  a  full  treasury. 

The  hour  arrived.  Mr.  Goug^h  appeared  on  the 
platform.  The  Rev.  D.  Kead  ofi'ercd  the  prayer. 
Dr.  Parsons  gave  the  introduction.  Mr.  Gough 
spoke  about  two  hours.  He  is  a  small,  homely, 
modest,  timid,  sad  man,  who  dresses  very  plainly, 
and  is  totally  free  from  afFectatiou.  The  matter  of 
his  speech — I  will  give  you  a  quotation  directly. 
His  manner  is  entirely  unreportablc.  The  cftect 
produced  —  no  tongue  can  utter  it  —  no  pen  de- 
scribe it. 

A  writer  in  the  Chiistian  Advocate,  who  informs 
us  on  "What  I  have  seen  and  heard,"  and  signs 
liimself  "M.,"  says:  "And  now,  for  the  benefit  of 
Bucli  of  my  readers  who  have  never  seen  ]\Ir. 
Gough,  we  would  state  that,  having  heard  this 
gentleman  in  one  of  his  happiest  moods,  at  Con- 
cert Hall,  we  will  attempt  to  give  them  an  idea  of 
his  person  and  powers.  Wo  attended  particularly 
to  every  word  of  his  lengthy  discourse,  examined 
liis  diction,  language,  attitude,  voice,  and,  as  fur  as 
wo  could,  looked  through  the  man,  to  see  where 
liis  great  strength  lay."  Now,  reader,  attend! 
You  will  hear  something  remarkably  philosophic ! 


JOHNB.GOUGH.  41 

"  Our  cool,  calm,  hall  and  home  reflections  led  to 
the  following  conclusions  :  That  in  point  of  mental 
ability,  Mr.  Gough  is  not  much  above  mediocrity.  .  .  . 
The  great  secret  of  his  power — as  we  believe — is 
in  his  manner.  This  we  infer  from  the  fact,  that 
upon  the  main  question,  3Ir.  Gough  gave  us  no  new 
ideas.  We  had  ourselves  used  all  the  points  intro- 
duced by  him  many  years  ago."  Had  "  M."  known 
any  thing  of  the  decisions  of  critics,  ancient  and 
modern,  the  above  would  not  have  been  written ; 
and,  lacking  such  information,  propriety  should 
have  dictated  his  saying  nothing — at  least,  nothing 
disrespectful.  Rogers  says:  "If  this  be  so,  the 
intellect  of  the  orator  must  be  regarded  as  one  of 
the  rarest  phenomena  which  appear  in  the  world 
of  mind.  Such,  at  least,  has  been  hitherto  the 
uniform  judgment  of  criticism.  To  possess  a 
genius  for  consummate  eloquence  is  always  con- 
sidered to  imply  intellectual  excellence  of  the  high- 
est order.  So  peculiar  are  the  required  modifica- 
tions and  combinations  of  intellect,  imagination, 
and  passion,  that  it  may  be  pretty  safely  averred, 
we  shall  as  soon  see  the  reproduction  of  an  Aris- 
totle as  of  a  Demosthenes."  I  present  this  de- 
cision of  a  learned  man  to  "M.'s"  consideration, 
inasmuch  as  he  admits,  in  the  same  letter,  that  Mr. 
2 


42  PERSONAGES. 

Goiij^h's  "attitudes,  with  some  correction.s,  would 
win  immortality  on  the  stage!"  that,  "by  a  happy 
art,  he  transfers  to  the  platform,  before  the  audi- 
ence, the  absent  living  and  the  dead,  in  all  the 
vivid  reality  of  personal  presence !"  and  that, 
"  upon  the  whole,  he  regards  Mr.  Gough  as  among 
the  most  gifted  of  platform  speakers !" 

lie  delivered  live  lectures  in  our  city.  Tlis  audi- 
ences increased  to  the  last.  People  of  all  occupa- 
tions, all  religions,  all  philosophies,  all  ranks,  heard 
him.  In  the  gustiest  midwinter  that  has  been  felt 
for  sixty  years — paying  the  ordinar}'  admission  fee 
— to  hoar  the  discussion  of  an  un})Oiiular  subject — 
thousands  of  people  thronged  the  lecture-room  of 
this  Uix  nawd'i  on  the  Temperance  Reform.  I  heard 
liim  three  times;  and  I  have  no  hesitancy  in  be- 
lieving liini  to  be  the  most  cfteetive  platform- 
speaker  in  the  a\ orld. 

Let  us  hear  what  others  say.  In  an  article 
headed,  "IvKlkjious  Ouators  in  London,"  the  ac- 
c'omiilished  writer  says: 

*'Amoug  popular  religious  orators  in  England 
we  may  justly  place  in  a  prominent  iiosilion  your 
illustrious  countryman,  John  B.  Gough.  It  is  true 
that  he  has  never  spoken  publicly  in  this  country, 
directly   and   avowedly,    on   sacred    subjects;    but 


JOHNB.    CxOUGn.  43 

tlicrc  arc  various  ways  in  wliicli  the  seed  of  ever- 
lasting trutli  is  scattered  abroad,  besides  the  labors 
of  those  who  by  their  profession  go  forth  with  the 
seed-basket  in  their  hand.  As  drunkenness  is  the 
greatest  curse  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  race,  any  one 
who  labors  successfully  for  its  removal  is  entitled 
to  be  reckoned  among  the  benefactors  of  his 
species ;  but  when  the  advocacy  of  temperance  is 
conducted  on  sound  gospel  principles — when  the 
necessity  of  power  from  above  is  acknowledged  to 
enable  men  to  keep  their  promises  and  fight  against 
tlieir  besetting  sins — and  when  it  is  clearly  pro- 
claimed that  although  outward  reformation  may 
have  been  accomplished,  still  there  remains  the 
same  necessity  of  being  made  a  new  creature  in 
Christ  Jesus — such  a  course  entitles  the  advocate 
to  be  reckoned  among  the  true  laborers  in  the  gos- 
pel vineyard.  ]N'o  orator  has  made  so  great  a  sen- 
sation among  all  ranks  and  classes  of  people  in 
England  for  many  years  past  as  Mr.  Gough.  His 
brilliancy,  fervor,  humor,  energy;  his  inventive- 
ness of  imagination,  his  true  poetic  feeling  without 
a  particle  of  affectation,  his  immense  power  over 
the  hearts  of  bis  auditors,  and  the  evident  sincerity 
which  pervades  the  whole  man,  are  unsurpassed, 
and,  in  some   respects,  unequalled.      He  will   bo 


44  PERSONAGES. 

most  heartily  welcomed  whenever  he  revisits  Old 
England." 

In  an  article  lieaded,  "John  B.  Gougii,"  the 
Christian  Intelligencer  says : 

"  This  young  "Wliitefield  of  temperance  has  re- 
turned from  Great  Britain  to  his  cottage-home  in 
Boylston,  having  achieved  greater  triumphs  of  po- 
pular eloquence  than  any  man  of  his  generation. 
To  listen  to  an  unpopular  theme,  he  has  attracted, 
for  seventy  different  evenings,  in  the  single  city  of 
London,  crowds  of  auditors  too  vast  to  be  accom- 
modated in  tlic  most  spacious  halls  of  the  metro- 
polis. This,  too,  with  a  charge  for  admission ! 
Edward  Irving,  in  his  palmiest  days,  achieved  no 
such  marvels  of  oratory.  Durino:  Mr.  Gouffh's 
British  tour,  he  has  spoken  on  an  average  once  in 
every  twenty-four  hours ;  has  addressed  nearly  a 
million  of  souls ;  has  attracted  the  most  intellec- 
tual to  his  eloquence ;  and  has  carried  a  knowledge 
of  the  temperance  movement  up  into  the  influential 
strata  of  English  and  Scotch  society.  Yet  he  looks 
more  vigorous  than  when  he  left  us  on  his  mission 
of  truth  to  the  Old  World ;  he  is  stronger  in  body 
and  mind.  From  the  shower  of  'testimonials'  and 
complimentary  addresses — of  silver  cups  and  golden 
guineas — he  has  escaped  to  the  quiet  of  his  rural 


JOHNB.GOUGH.  45 

home  iu  Massachusetts,  to  catch  a  breathing-spell, 
before  he  gh'ds  again  for  his  hatile  against  the  bottle!'' 

From  the  Southern  Christian  Advocate — whose 
editor,  as  a  writer  and  selecter,  has  no  superior 
among  Southern  religious  journalists — I  clip  the 
following : 

"As  we  write  of  Mr.  Gough's  achievements  on 
the  platform,  we  recall  the  rainy  day,  eleven  years 
ago,  when  we  first  saw  the  handbill  posted  on  a 
dead-wall  in  this  city,  announcing  that  '  Mr.  John 
B.  Gough,  of  Boston,'  would  discuss  the  hackneyed 
theme  of  total  abstinence,  in  the  Broadway  Taber- 
nacle. We  heartil}^  pitied  the  youthful  stranger 
making  his  debut  in  this  overgrown  cit}'.  Since 
that  time  we  have  pitied  him.  The  Tabernacle 
speech  went  off  very  well :  our  sober-sided  college 
*chum,'  who  heard  it,  pronounced  him  'a  pro- 
digious fellow,  but  somewhat  theatrical.'  At  the 
first  opportunity  we  went  to  hear  the  young  adven- 
turer from  Boston.  As  we  entered  the  house,  it 
was  already  jammed  with  an  audience,  comprising 

many  of  the  most  intellectual  citizens  of  P . 

Curiosity  was  on  tiptoe.  Presently  there  was  a  stir 
in  the  crowded  aisle,  and  a  pale  stripling,  appa- 
rcntl}'  just  out  of  his  'teens,'  made  his  way  to  the 
rostrum.     He  cast  his  dark  eye  once  over  the  for- 


46  PERSONAGES. 

mulal)lc  crowd,  and  tlieu  Lent  liis  sad,  tlionglitfiil- 
looking  foce  timidly  towards  the  floor.  The  hitc 
venerable  Pr.  Miller  introduced  him  to  the  audi- 
ence. A  few  modest  words  were  uttered  with  some 
hesitation  of  tone :  we  wondered  what  we  had  all 
come  there  for.  Presently  the  young  orator  said : 
'  My  friends,  when  the  temperance  reform  first 
originated,  it  was  among  the  middle  classes,  and, 
like  a  mine  exploded  in  the  sand,  it  did  its  work 
without  violent  concussion.  Then  came  the  Wash- 
ingtonian  movement,  when  the  match  was  kindled 
in  the  solid  granite  of  the  lower  orders,  and  the 
mighty  upheaving  shook,  for  a  time,  the  nation. 
And  now,  to-night,  I  want  to  thrust  a  fusee  into 
the  upper  strata.'  This  happy  geological  simile 
was  received  with  pleasant  surprise ;  people  began 
to  exchange  nods  of  approval ;  surprise  quickened 
into  wondering  delight ;  the  house  grew  still  as  the 
grave ;  and  at  the  end  of  twenty  minutes  the  spell 
of  enchantment  brought  us  all  to  the  orator's  feet. 
He  did  with  us  as  he  chose.  He  shook  us  with  laugh- 
ter, and  then  melted  us  into  tears.  Our  mathe- 
matical professor  —  who  never  cried  without  a 
reason  for  it — sat  before  the  pulpit  with  tears  roll- 
ing down  his  cheeks.  As  Mr.  Gough's  voice  sunk 
into  a  thrilling  whisper,  the  house  was  painfully 


JOnNB.GOUGH.  47 

still ;  and  then  it  swelled  up  into  a  trumpet  blast, 
that  resounded  to  the  farther  side  df  the  street. 
E,emarkable  as  was  the  mimicry  displayed,  we  soon 
discovered  that  the  orator's  fork  lay  in  his  graphic, 
terror-moving  sketches  of  thrilling  and  pathetic 
scenes.  His  descriptions  of  the  hoy  rescued  from 
the  burning  house — of  the  sister  wiping  off  the 
clotted  blood  from  her  wounded  brother's  brow — 
of  the  lean,  pale  wife,  who  blesses  her  reformed 
husband  at  her  bedside  —  of  the  infatuated  man 
who  gives  himself  up  to  the  rapids  of  Niagara,  and 
of  his  conduct  while  on  the  awful  verge — all  these 
were  equal  to  the  most  vivid  touches  of  Charles 
Dickens.  As  he  brought  before  us  his  fearful  pic- 
ture of  the  delirium  tremens,  we  actually  suffered  in 
sympath}^  with  the  victim  of  rum,  held  up  to  our 
startled  view,  and  were  ready  to  cry  out  with 
anguish.  'I  could  not  sleep  after  that  speech  last 
night,'  said  a  friend  to  us  the  next  morning:  'it 
absolutely  haunted  me.'  " 

The  writer  thinks  that  a  man  who  works  ou^ht 
to  be  paid  for  it.  He  also  believes  that  the  labor 
of  the  brains  is  worth  more  than  the  labor  of  the 
hands.  And  liaving  performed  a  little  of  both, 
claims  the  right  to  judge,  at  least  for  himself.  He 
was  glad  to  see,  from  the  Berwick  Warden,  that 


48  PERSONAGES. 

the  English  paid  Mr.  Gough  handsomely  for  his 
lectures.       ^ 

"Mu.  Goran  and  the  Income  Tax. — While  in 
Edinhurgh,  Mr.  Gough's  equanimity  at  hrcakfast 
^vas  ninch  disturbed  one  morning  by  an  income-tax 
Bchodule  being  thrust  into  his  hand.  The  commis- 
sioners had  'calculated'  that  Mr.  Gough  would 
carry  oft'  no  inconsiderable  number  of  Queen  Vic- 
toria's sovereigns  across  the  Atlantic,  there  to  be 
added  to  his  store  of  'almighty  dollars,'  and  they 
reckoned  he  was  quite  as  liable  to  pay  their  lawful 
14^/.  in  the  pound  as  any  of  her  Majesty's  subjects. 
Mr.  Gough  was  of  course  much  'riled'  by  this 
specimen  of  British  tyranny  and  rapacity,  and 
made  many  strenuous  protests  both  against  their 
right  to  tax  a  citizen  of  the  great  United  States, 
and,  when  that  would  no  longer  avail,  against  the 
amount  at  which  he  was  assessed.  Ultimately, 
however,  he  consented  to  bo  assessed  on  X1500,  as 
the  amount  of  his  gains  during  his  lecturing  tour 
in  Great  Britain  ;  and  his  contributions  to  the  ex- 
penses of  the  war  was  the  pretty  little  sum  of  j£87 

105." 

The  Good  Templar  has  a  charming  contributor 
who  has  heard  Mr.  Goujjh  since  his  return  from 
Europe.     He  writes :  "  I  confess  I  was  somewhat 


JOHNB.GOUGH.  49 

skeptical  as  to  his  abilities  to  do  all  tliat  was  pro- 
mised. I  had  often  heard  the  peopM  laud  to  the 
skies  inferior  talent ;  and  I  had  seen  even  clergy- 
men allowing  their  names  to  appear  before  the 
public  in  pujBing  commendations.  I,  however, 
consented  to  hear  him,  although  some  said  it  was 
not  genteel  to  appear  at  temperance  meetings. 
His  addresses  were  effective  beyond  description. 
He  enchains  his  audiences  as  with  a  spell.  They 
were  entirely  under  his  control.  I  was  prepared 
for  something  vastly  superior,  but  not  for  this  rich 
feast  of  oratory  which  he  had  provided.  He  would 
at  one  time  convulse  them  with  laughter,  then  sud- 
denly unseal  the  pent-up  fountain  of  tears,  and 
make  strong  men  cry  like  cliildren,  and  seem 
bursting  with  very  grief;  then  anon  the  hall  would 
ring  again  with  the  merry  plaudits  of  his  delighted 
and  submissive  hearers.  No  wonder  the  thousands 
of  Exeter  Hall,  London,  were  forty  consecutive 
evenings  spell-bound  by  his  oratory.  Mr.  Gough 
has  in  a  wonderful  degree  the  three  grand  requi- 
sites of  poetic  genius — an  eye  to  see  nature,  a  heart 
to  feel  it,  and  a  resolution  that  dares  follow  it. 
He  is  entirely  free  from  that  unaccountable  stifli"- 
ness  of  manners  and  articuhition  which  cliaractcr- 
izes    80    many  public    speakers,  and    even    some 


50  PERSONAGES. 

clergymen,  so  that  their  hearers  arc  continually 
reminded  of  abortive  attempts  to  imitate  theatrical 
performances.  His  characters  arc  well  studied — 
well  drawn — and  perfectly  natural.  A  Hogarth  or 
Sir  Joshua  Keynolds  could  paint  his  orations  life- 
like on  the  canvas.  Ilis  pathetic  appeals  enter 
your  very  soul,  and  stir  up  the  depths  of  your 
being  in  sympathy  for  the  poor,  infatuated  drunk- 
ard." 

I  have  given  these  long  quotations,  because 
they  are  from  different  religious  papers  of  great 
respectability  and  iniluencc  —  because  they  were 
written  by  men  living  in  difierent  latitudes  and 
countries  —  because  they  sustain  my  estimate  of 
Mr.  (lough  as  a  man  of  intellect  and  eloquence — 
and,  finally,  because  the  Christian  Advocate's  con- 
tributor needs  information  with  regard  to  the  man 
of  whom  he  speaks  so  disparagingly. 

This  sketch  has  grown  mion  my  hands  to  such  a 
length,  I  am  almost  sorry  that  I  itromised  the 
reader  a  (pu)tati()n  or  two  from  Mr.  Gough's  lec- 
tures. On  the  first  evening,  he  concluded  with 
these  words : 

"What  fills  the  almshouses  and  the  jails  ?  What 
hangs  yon  trembling  wretch  upon  the  gallows?  It 
is  drink  I     And  we  might  call  upon  the  tomb  to 


JOHNB.GOUGII.  51 

break  forth,  '  Ye  mouldering  victims !  wipe  tlie 
grave-dust  crumbling  from  your  brow,  stalk  forth 
in  your  tattered  shrouds  and  bony  whiteness,  to 
testify  against  the  drink !  Come,  come  from  the 
gallows,  you  spirit-maddened  slayer ;  give  up  your 
bloody  knife,  and  stalk  forth  to  testify  against  it ! 
Crawl  from  the  slimy  ooze,  ye  drowned  drunkards, 
and,  with  sutfocation's  blue  and  livid  lips,  speak 
out  against  the  drink !  Unroll  the  record  of  the 
past,  and  let  the  recording  angel  read  out  the  mur- 
der-indictments written  in  God's  book  of  remem- 
brance: ay,  let  the  past  be  unfolded,  and  the 
shrieks  of  victims  wailing  be  borne  down  upon  the 
night-blast!  Snap  your  burning  chains,  ye  deni- 
zens of  the  pit,  and  come  up  sheeted  in  the  fire, 
dripping  with  the  flames  of  hell,  and  with  your 
trumpet-tongues  testify  against  the  damnation  of 
the  drink !'....  Of  those  who  began  this  work, 
some  are  living  to-day ;  and  I  should  like  to  stand 
now,  and  see  the  mighty  enterprise  as  it  rises  be- 
fore them.  They  worked  hard.  They  lifted  the 
first  turf — prepared  the  bed  in  which  to  lay  the 
corner-stone.  They  laid  it  amid  persecution  and 
storm.  They  worked  under  the  surface ;  and  men 
almost  forgot  that  there  were  busy  hands  laying 
the  solid  foundation  far  down  beneath.     By  and  by 


62  PERSONAGES. 

they  got  tire  foundation  above  the  surface,  and  then 
commenced  another  storm  of  persecution.  Now 
we  see  the  superstructure,  pillar  after  pillar,  tower 
after  tower,  column  after  column,  with  the  capitals 
emblazoned,  '  Love,  truth,  sympathy,  and  good-will 
to  all  men.'  Old  men  gaze  upon  it  as  it  grows  up 
before  them.  They  will  not  live  to  see  it  com- 
pleted, but  they  see  in  faith  the  crowning  cope- 
stone  set  upon  it.  Meek-eyed  women  weep  as  it 
grows  in  beauty ;  children  strew  the  pathway  of  the 
workmen  with  flowers.  We  do  not  see  its  beauty 
j'^et — we  do  not  see  the  magnificence  of  the  super- 
structure yet — because  it  is  in  course  of  erection. 
Scaffolding,  ropes,  ladders,  workmen  ascending 
and  descending,  mar  the  beauty  of  the  building; 
but  by  and  by,  when  the  hosts  who  have  labored 
shall  come  up  over  a  thousand  battle-fields  waving 
with  bright  grain,  never  again  to  be  crushed  in  the 
distillery — through  vineyards,  under  trellised  vines 
with  grapes  hanging  in  all  their  purple  glory,  never 
again  to  bo  pressed  into  that  which  can  debase  and 
degrade  mankind ;  when  they  shall  come  through 
o'.-chards,  under  trees  hano-ino;  thick  with  golden 
pulpy  fruit,  never  to  be  turned  into  that  which  can 
injure  and  debase — when  they  shall  come  up  to  the 
last  distillery  and  destroy  it ;  to  the  last  stream  of 


J  0  II  N     B  .     G  0  U  G  II .  63 

liquid  death  and  dry  it  np  ;  to  the  last  weeping  wife 
and  wipe  her  tears  gently  away ;  to  the  last  little 
child  and  lift  him  up  to  stand  where  God  meant 
that  mankind  should  stand;  to  the  last  drunkard 
and  nerve  him  to  burst  the  burning  fetters,  and 
make  a  glorious  accompaniment  to  the  song  of  free- 
dom by  the  clanking  of  his  broken  chains — then, 
ah !  then  will  the  cope-stone  be  set  upon  it,  the 
scaffolding  will  fall  with  a  crash,  and  the  building 
will  start  in  wondrous  beauty  before  an  astonished 
world." 

The  Good  Templar  gives  the  following  from  a 
lecture  delivered  in  Exeter  Hall,  London  : 

"  Let  us  look,"  said  he,  "  at  the  man  enslaved  by 
his  appetite.  There  he  stands.  "We  might  fancy 
that  he  has  a  vision.  Before  him  stands  a  bright, 
fair-haired,  blue -eyed,  beautiful  boy,  with  rosy 
cheek,  and  pearly  teeth,  and  ruby  lip — the  perfect 
picture  of  innocence  and  peace,  health,  purity,  and 
joy.  What  is  that  ?  That  is  your  youth,  all  that  is 
your  past.  Then  there  comes  another  figure  before 
bim,  the  youth  grown  a  man,  intellect  flashing  from 
his  eye;  the  broad,  noble  brow  speaking  of  genius, 
as  he  stands  in  a  commanding  position,  and  claim- 
ing for  himself,  by  the  mighty  power  God  has  given 
him,  an  iuflueuce  over  the  words,  feelings,  and  con- 


54  PERSONAGES. 

duct  of  his  fellow-men.    There  he  stands,  a  glorious 
spectacle.     "What  is  that  ?     Tliat  is  your  ideal. 

"Xow  creeps  in  a  wretched  thing,  manacled 
liaiul  and  foot:  there  are  furrows  upon  the  face; 
there  is  the  swollen  lip,  a  fit  throne  for  sensuality; 
the  eyes  wildly  glaring  or  hedimmed.  There  he 
stands ;  and  what  is  that  ?  That  is  your  present. 
"We  may  have  one  more,  if  you  please,  to  fill  up 
the  scene,  and  that  shall  be  a  wretched,  emaciated 
creature.  As  he  opens  his  breast,  you  see  his 
heart  all  on  fire,  with  the  worm  that  begins  to 
gnaw,  and  that  never  will  die,  coiled  in  the  flames. 
What  is  that  ?  It  is  your  future.  iSTow  let  me  tell 
you,  young  men,  that  the  power  of  evil  habit, 
though  it  may  destroy  a  man's  faculty,  docs  not 
destroy  his  consciousness.  The  curse  of  the  man 
who  feels  himself  going  down  the  sliding  scale,  is 
the  remembrance  of  the  past — the  remembrance  of 
those  bright  dreams  of  ambition.  Those  dreams, 
those  scenes  are  before  liim,  separated  from  him  by 
a  whole  contiiK'ut  of  grief  and  gloomy  disappoint- 
ment, and  pain  of  body,  and  fever  of  spirit — dis- 
tinct, but  distant  as  the  stars  —  clear,  but  cold  as 
the  moon  that  shines  on  his  waking  agon}'',  or  on 
his  terrible  repose.  For,  indeed,  it  is  a  terrible 
repose.     Yonder  there,  he  sees  the  point  he  once 


JOHNB.GOUGH.  55 

occupied,  and  tlic  cloud  of  sin,  brewed  in  the  cald- 
ron of  liis  own  sensual  appetite,  ready  to  crush 
him,  and  press  him  down  deeper,  with  the  con- 
sciousness that  every  particle  of  the  propelling 
power  emanates  from  himself;  and  such  a  slave  is 
he  to  evil  habit,  that,  shrieking  madly,  he  goes 
down  with  the  very  smoke  of  future  torment 
almost  so  near  that  he  can  bathe  his  hands  in  it. 
What  does  a  man  get  in  barter  for  all  the  enjoy- 
ments that  he  has  given  away — for  the  miserable, 
paltry  pleasures  that  are  obtained  in  this  world? 
I  believe  that  a  merciful  God  has  set  a  ban  upon 
certain  pursuits,  and  if  we  follow  them,  we  are  un- 
grateful to  Him  who  has  given  us  so  many  sources 
of  enjoyment.  Take  the  man  that  has  been  all  his 
lifetime  a  slave  to  evil  habit;  what  has  he  got? 
He  has  spent  his  life,  his  fortune ;  he  has  bartered 
his  jewel,  sold  his  birthright,  and  what  has  he  got? 
Nothing  but  the  mere  excitement  of  chasing  after 
that  which  is  not  reality.  Men  talk  about  enjoy- 
ment in  these  pursuits.  There  is  no  enjoyment. 
The  enjoyment  is  merely  momentary  and  imagin- 
ary. 'No  man  ever  received  solid  satisfaction  in 
wicked  pursuits,  that  he  could  long  enjoy  and  hold 
fast.  'Aha!  aha!'  he  says,  'now  I  am  happy.'  It 
has  gone  from  him.     And  the  enjoyment  that  men 


5G  PERSONAGES. 

can  obtain  in  tliis  world,  apart  from  the  enjoyments 
that  God  lias  sanctioned,  arc  enjoyments  that  lead 
to  destruction,  through  the  power  of  fascination, 
habit,  and  excitement.  It  is  as  if  a  man  should 
start  in  a  chase  after  a  bubble.  Attracted  by  its 
bright  and  gorgeous  hue,  a  gay  set  of  merry  com- 
panions with  him,  it  leads  him  through  vineyards, 
under  trellised  vines,  with  grapes  hanging  in  all 
their  purple  glory — through  orchards,  under  trees, 
bearing  their  golden,  pulpy  fruit  —  by  sparkling 
fountains,  with  the  music  of  singing- birds.  He 
looks  at  life  through  a  rose-colored  medium ;  and 
he  leads  a  merry  chase.  In  the  excitement  he 
laughs  and  dances,  and  dances  and  laughs  again.  It 
is  a  merry  chase.  By  and  by  that  excitement  be- 
comes intense — its  intensity  becomes  a  passion — its 
passion  becomes  a  disease.  Now  his  eye  is  fixed 
upon  it  with  earnestness,  and  now  he  leaps  with 
desperation,  pleasure,  and  disappointment,  mingled 
with  excitement :  now  it  leads  him  away  from  all 
that  is  bright  and  beautiful — from  all  the  tender, 
clustering  associations  of  bygone  days;  it  leads 
him  up  the  steep,  hot  sides  of  a  fearful  volcano. 
Now  there  is  pain,  anguish  in  the  chase.  He  leaps^ 
falls,  and  rises  —  scorched,  and  bruised,  and  blis- 
tered.   Yet  still  the  excitement  and  power  of  evil 


JOnNB.GOUGH.  57 

habit  become  almost  a  passion.  He  forgets  all  that 
is  past,  or  strives  to  forget  it  in  his  trouble.  He 
leaps  again.  It  is  gone !  He  curses  and  bites  his 
lips  with  agony.  He  shrieks  the  wild,  almost  wail- 
ing shriek  of  despair.  Yet  still  he  pursues  his 
prize,  knee-deep  in  the  hot  ashes.  He  staggers  up, 
with  torn  limbs  and  bruised,  the  last  semblance  of 
humanity  scorched  out  of  him.  Yet  there  is  his 
prize,  and  he  will  have  it.  With  a  desperate  effort, 
he  makes  one  more  leap ;  and  he  has  got  it  now ; 
but  he  has  leaped  into  the  crater  with  it,  and,  with 
a  bursted  bubble  in  his  hand,  he  goes  to  his  retri- 
bution !  Every  man  that  is  carried  on,  a  slave  to 
evil  habit,  seeking  for  enjoyment  in  those  pursuits 
that  God  has  not  sanctioned,  assuredly  loses  all, 
and  gains  —  what?  He  stands  before  God's  bar, 
and  cannot  even  present  the  one  talent  unwrapped 
from  the  napkin  ;  but,  as  the  result  of  his  influence, 
power,  and  intellect,  and  position,  he  presents  be- 
fore the  assembled  world  all  he  has  gained,  and 
that  is  a  bursted  bubble  !     God  pity  him  !" 


58  PERSONAGES, 


PvEV.    THOMAS   II.    STOCKTOX,  D.I\, 

THE     INSPIRED     D  E  C  L  A  I M  E  R . 

I  WISH  to  induce  more  than  ton  thonsand  people 
to  read  a  very  oliarming  poem  written  by  a  West- 
ern authoress.  As  I  can  reach  tliis  numher  throngli 
the  columns  of  your  paper,  I  am  tempted  to  intro- 
duce it  with  a  brief  reminiscence  of  Dr.  Stockton, 
of  Baltimore. 

I  had  recently  heard  Dr.  N'eely,  in  Huntsville, 
Ala.,  Dr.  Summers  and  Dr.  Smith,  in  Charleston, 
S.  C,  and  Dr.  Young,  of  Kentucky,  and  Jesse  T. 
Peck,  in  AVashington  City,  when  I  arrived  in  Balti- 
more. This  was  in  rluly,  1S."»2.  To  be  frank,  ever 
since  I  read  the  lines  alluded  to  above — and  this 
was  when  I  was  a  boy — I  had  thought  of  Baltimore 
simjyli/  as  the  liome  of  Dr.  Stockton ;  and,  "  to  tell 
you  the  precise  truth,"  I  stopped  there  purposely 
to  hear  him. 

On  Saturday  morning,  several  of  the  daily  papers 


REV.     THOMAS    II.     STOCKTON,     D.D.        59 

ainiounced  that  lie  would  preach  in  the  forenoon  of 
the  next  day  at  a  school-house  in  the  suburbs ;  and 
at  night  in  the  Methodist  Protestant  church. 
"Hero -worshippers,"  as  Carlyle  would  say,  are 
always  in  good  time ;  so  you  may  take  it  for  granted 
that  I  was  at  the  aforesaid  school-house  by  ten 
o'clock  A.  j\I.  A  man,  a  woman,  and  a  boy  were 
already  in  waiting.  At  ten  and  a  half  the  little 
room  was  tolerably  well  filled,  and  the  preacher 
came.  Just  imagine  Henry  Clay  dressed  in  loose 
black  clothes,  somewhat  emaciated,  laboring  under 
the  influence  of  the  asthma,  and  you  have  the  best 
idea  I  can  give  you  of  Dr.  Stockton's  personal  ap- 
pearance. First  he  bowed  in  silent  prayer,  then 
arose,  and  panted  and  wheezed  through  the  lessons 
and  hymns,  and  public  prayer.  If  any  stranger 
came  to  criticise,  he  felt  no  disposition  to  do  so  now. 
Those  words  of  prayer,  so  brief,  so  quiet,  so  solemn, 
and  so  trustful,  made  one  feel.  Surely  God  is  in  this 
place!  The  preacher  announced  his  text,  and  for 
the  first  time  looked  out  upon  his  audience.  Before, 
and  during  the  opening  service,  he  had  cast  no 
glances  at  the  assembly,  but  conducted  himself  as 
one  alone  with  his  God. 

The    text  was  Eccl.  ix.   10:     "Whatsoever  thy 
hand  findcth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might;  for  there 


CO  PERSONAQES. 

is  no  work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom 
iu  the  grave,  whither  thou  goest."  The  sermon  wiis 
brief,  no  mean  recommendation  nowadays,  when 
ponderous  divines  would  give  us  wind  for  wisdom, 
and  length  for  logic.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  ser- 
vice, Dr.  Stockton  "  opened  the  door  for  the  recep- 
tion of  memhers."  Ilis  invitation  was  substantially 
the  following:  "  Wc  want  to  build  up  a  union  so- 
ciety here.  Persons  who  join  us  need  not  be  called 
Methodists  ;  but  may  hold  their  membership  in  the 
various  evangelical  churches  in  the  city.  All  Chris- 
tian people  who  may  desire  to  worship  here,  and 
receive  the  gospel  from  us,  and  keep  up  the  ex- 
penses of  this  place,  will  come  forward  and  unite 
with  us  wliile  we  sing.  This  is  the  third  Sabbath  we 
liave  worshipped  here.  If  no  one  should  join  us 
to-day,  we  will  take  it  for  granted  that  you  do  not 
desire  such  a  society  here."  The  Doctor  raised  a 
tune,  and  we  stood  and  sang  it  through.  Did  any 
one  join  ?  Xot  a  soul !  They  all  knew  that  ho  had 
attempted,  at  various  times  and  in  various  places, 
to  collect  together  such  a  society,  and  had  invari- 
ably failed.     This  is  his  weakness. 

I  left  the  school-house  with  such  thoughts  as  these 
running  through  my  mind :  Coming  up  liere  this 
iiioriiing  "did  not  pay"  quite  as  I  expected;  some- 


REV.     THOMAS    H.     STOCKTON,     D.D.        61 

what  disappointed  in  liim  ;  but  lie  is  a  wondronsly 
gifted  man.  How  common  even  a  great  man  be- 
comes at  home  !  lie  would  draw  an  immense 
crowd  in  the  South !  I  must  hear  him  again  to- 
night, etc.  "  For  Jesus  himself  testified  that  a 
prophet  had  no  honor  in  his  own  countr3\"  John 
iv.  44. 

Soon  after  dinner.  Dr.  Stockton  was  in  the  Cathe- 
dral, filling  his  soul  with  music.  And  soon  after 
this  he  was  in  the  Friends'  meeting-house,  keeping 
silence.  Soon  after  this  I  saw  him  standing  erect 
in  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church,  repeating  the  Creed. 
I  accompanied  him  home  for  tea.  From  tea  until 
service-time,  which  was  one  hour,  he  spent  in  his 
closet.  I  was  informed  by  an  inmate  of  his  family 
that  this  is  his  constant  practice.  No  company  is 
ever  allowed  to  interfere  with  these  devotions. 

That  night  I  saw  Dr.  Stockton  in  his  glory.  The 
large  Methodist  Protestant  church  was  brilliantly 
lighted  up.  The  pews,  and  aisles,  and  vestibules, 
and  gallery,  all  filled  with  a  serious  congregation. 
Not  such  an  audience  as  hurries  and  hustles,  and 
jostles  and  rustics,  and  staves  and  stamps  into  Henry 
Ward  Beecher's  church,  in  Brooklyn,  to  hear  Beech- 
erisms  and  blasphemy,  but  a  quiet,  solemn  congre- 
gation was  there,  expecting  to  hear  "  the  glorious 


62  PERSONAGES. 

gospel  of  the  blessed  God,"  from  a  man  of  true 
genius  and  vocation.  The  preacher  ascended  the 
pulpit  alone.  Now  "all  the  air  a  solemn  stillness 
held."  Soon  the  words  of  a  chamiing  "voluntary" 
came  floating  down  from  the  choir,  and  stealing 
into  the  soul  like  voices  from  the  spirit-land.  As 
we  were  singing  the  last  stanza  of  the  hymn  before 
sermon,  I  noticed  perhaps  a  hundred  persons  take 
up  large  cards  from  the  pews,  and  look  at  them  a 
moment,  and  place  them  back  again.  "When  the 
text  was  announced,  I  took  up  one,  and  running  my 
eyes  about  one-third  of  the  way  down,  saw  that  we 
were  seated  to  hear  "  number  thirteen"  of  a  "series 
of  forty  luiU-liour  sermons"  on  the  thirteenth  chap- 
ter of  1  Corintliiaiis.  The  text  was  1  Cor.  xiii.  4: 
"  Charity  euvieth  not ;"  and  the  sermon  was  char- 
acteristic of  the  man,  and  satisfiictory  to  the  assem- 
bly. Dr.  Stockton  is  about  the  only  famous  preacher 
I  have  heard  up  to  this  date  who  is  fully  able  to 
sustain  his  reputation,  and  meet  the  expectation  of 
strangers. 

Considered  merely  as  a  public  speaker,  he  OAves 
much  to  his  personal  appearance,  but  more  to  his 
genius,  and  learning,  and  industry.  As  a  minister 
of  the  gospel,  we  are  to  look  upon  him  as  one  who 
has  been  sent  out  by  the  Great  Commissioner,  and 


REV.     THOMAS     H.     STOCKTON,     D.D.        G3 

■who  is  most  mightily  aided  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  As 
au  author,  he  will  never  take  the  first  rank.  We 
think  of  him  as  one  who  can  write  for  a  generation, 
but  not  for  an  age.  His  late  volume,  "  Sermons  for 
the  People,"  is  a  very  readable  book. 

Dr.  Stockton  is  a  member  and  minister  of  the 
Methodist  Protestant  Church;  has  spent  most  of 
his  professional  life  in  and  about  Baltimore.  Popu- 
larity has  never  spoiled  him,  or  ever  affected  him, 
so  far  as  I  have  heard.  He  has  written  poetry, 
prose,  and  criticism. 

It  is  generally  understood  that  he  is  the  preacher 
referred  to  in  Amelia  B.  Wclby's  poem,  entitled 
^'■Pulpit  Eloquence.''  When  I  commenced  the  sketch, 
I  intended  to  annex  that  entire  poem  to  it,  but  have 
committed  my  usual  fault,  and  written  too  lengthily. 
I  shall,  therefore,  content  myself  by  presenting  to 
your  readers  that  part  of  the  poem  which  refers  to 
Dr.  Stockton : 


'  In  stature  majestic,  apart  from  the  throng, 
He  stood  in  his  beauty,  the  theme  of  my  song! 
His  cheek  pale  with  fervor — the  blue  orbs  above 
Lit  up  with  the  splendors  of  youth  and  of  love ; 
Yet  the  heart-glowing  raptures  that  beamed  from  these  eyes 
Seemed  saddened  by  sorrows,  and  chastened  by  sighs. 
As  if  the  young  lieart  in  its  bloom  lia<l  grown  cold 
With  its  loves  unrc'iuitcd,  its  sorrows  untold. 


64  r  E  R  S  0  N  A  r,  E  s . 

"  Such  language  a?  liis  I  nmy  never  recall ; 
Hut  his  thenic  was  salvation — salvation  to  all; 
And  tljc  souls  of  a  thousand  in  ecstasy  hung 
On  the  nianna-likc  sweetness  that  dropped  from  his  tongue. 
Not  alone  on  the  ear  his  wild  eloquence  stole ; 
Enforced  by  such  gesture,  it  sank  to  the  soul, 
Till  it  seemed  that  an  angel  had  brightened  the  sod, 
And  brought  to  each  bosom  a  message  from  God. 

"  He  spoke  of  (he  Saviour — what  pictures  he  drew  ! 
The  scene  of  his  sufferings  rose  clear  in  my  view — 
The  cross,  the  rude  cross  where  he  suffered  and  died, 
The  gush  of  bright  crimson  that  flowed  from  his  side. 
The  cup  of  his  sorrows,  tlie  wormwood  and  gall, 
The  darkness  that  mantled  the  earth  as  a  pall, 
Tiie  garland  of  thorns,  and  the  demon-like  crews, 
Who  knelt  as  they  scoffed  Him — 'Hail,  King  of  the  Jews!' 

"  He  spake,  and  it  seemed  that  his  statue-like  form 
Expanded  and  glowed  as  his  spirit  grew  warm — 
His  tone  so  impassioned,  so  melting  his  air. 
As  touched  with  compassion  he  ended  his  prayer, 
His  hands  clasped  above  him,  his  blue  orbs  upthrown, 
Si  ill  jilcafling  for  sins  (hat  were  never  his  own. 
While  tlial  moutli,  where  sucii  sweetness  ineffable  ching, 
Still  spoke  though  expression  had  died  on  his  tongue. 

"0  God!  what  emotions  the  speaker  awoko! 
A  iriortal  he  seemed — jet  a  Deit}'  spoke ; 
A  man — yet  so  far  from  huniiinily  riven! 
On  earlli — yet  so  clearly  connected  with  heaven! 
How  oft  in  my  fancy  I've  pictured  him  there. 
As  he  stood  in  that  triumph  of  passion  and  prayer, 
With  his  eyes  closed  in  rapture — their  transient  eclipse, 
Made  bright  by  the  smiles  that  illumined  his  lips. 


REV,     THOMAS    n.     STOCKTON,     D.D.        G5 

"  There  's  a  charm  in  delivery,  a  magical  art, 
That  thi'ills,  like  a  kiss  from  the  lip,  to  the  heart; 
'Tis  the  glance — the  expression — the  well-chosen  word 
By  whoso  magic  the  depths  of  the  spirit  are  stirred, 
The  smile — the  mute  gesture — the  soul-startling  pause, 
The  eye's  sweet  expression,  th.it  melts  whilo  it  awes, 
The  lip's  soft  persuasion — its  musical  tone — 
0 !  such  was  the  charm  of  that  eloquent  ouo  l" 

St.  Louis,  December  12,  1850. 


66  PERSONAGES. 


REV.  FREDERICK  J.  JOBSON,  D.D., 

BRITISH    DELE  (^.  ATE. 

Several  months  ago,  a  sketch  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Hannah  appeared  in  the  columns  of  the  Home  Cir- 
cle. The  name  of  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Jobson,  M.A., 
the  companion  of  his  voyage,  was  not  mentioned, 
I  believe,  in  that  sketch.  True,  Dr.  Hannah  was 
the  fraternal  delegate  from  the  Wesleyan  Conven- 
tion in  England  to  the  General  Conference  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church ;  but  Mr.  Jobson  was 
dvlcfjaUd  to  come  over  with  the  venerable  gentle- 
man, and  perhaps  liis  name  ought  not  to  be  omitted 
altogether,  especially  as  he  created  a  greater  sensa- 
tion ever^'where  than  Dr.  Hannah. 

Furthermore,  I  have  heard  and  read  and  seen  so 
much  of  Mr.  Jobson's  late  book,  "A  ^lother's  Por- 
trait," I  think  his  name  ought  to  be.  brought  pro- 
minently before  the  reading  public.  This  book  was 
first  published  in  England  about  two  years  ago,  and 
lias  hud  an  immense  circulation  in  Methodist  cir- 


REV.     FREDERICK    J.     JOBSON,     D.D.       67 

cles.  Within  the  last  six  months  it  has  been  repub- 
lished in  this  countiy.  "A  Mother's  Portrait"  is 
the  testimonial  which  Mr.  Jobson  has  paid  to  his 
excellent  mother — a  literary  monument  erected 
upon  the  basis  of  her  domestic  and  Christian  char- 
acter. It  is  such  a  work  as  the  "Life  of  Mrs. 
Fletcher,"  "Hester  Ann  Rogers,"  or  "Martha 
Laurens  Ramsay."  Perhaps  some  would  prefer  it 
to  ain^  one  or  even  all  of  these.  Every  mother  in  the 
land  ought  to  procure  and  read  the  book  this  year. 
Did  you  ever  see  in  any  old  JSIethodist  magazine 
or  book  a  picture  of  Bishop  Coke  ?  Then  3'ou  have 
quite  a  correct  idea  of  the  shape  and  personal  ap- 
pearance of  Mr.  Jobson.  Short  head,  short  neck, 
short  body,  short  legs,  short  feet,  short  arms  and 
hands — altogether  the  shortest  man  you  ever  saw, 
not  to  be  a  dwarf.  He  sat  with  Dr.  Hannah  on  the 
platform  at  the  right  of  the  bencl/of  Bishops,  while 
the  delegates  from  Ireland  and  Canada  sat  on  the 
left.  I  entered  the  Conference-room  with  my  friend 
Johnson.  Said  he,  "Do  3'OU  sec  that  perfect  speci- 
men of  John  Bull  on  the  platform  ?  He  is  one  of 
the  British  delegation."  Directly  I  fell  in  with  my 
old  friend  Irwin.  Said  he  instantly,  "That  little 
man  on  the  platform,  who  looks  like  he  had  been 
fed  on  roast  beef  and  plum  pudding  all  his  life,  is 


68  PERSONAGES. 

Mr.  Jobson."  Poor  Dr.  "Watson,  the  editor  of  tlie 
Chicago  Christian  Advocate,  who  did  not  recollect 
ever  to  have  spent  a  day  without  pain,  stood  and 
looked  steadfastly  on  him.  "Well,"  said  he,  "I 
w^onder  how  a  man  feels  who  enjoys  such  health !" 

A  paragraph  on  dress,  indulgent  reader,  before 
leaving  the  personal  appearance  of  our  subject. 
Mr.  Addison  has  a  fine  remark  on  a  female  warrior 
celebrated  by  Virgil.  lie  observes  that  with  all  her 
great  qualities,  this  llitle  foible  mingled  itself;  be- 
cause, as  the  fact  relates,  an  intemperate  fondness 
for  a  rich  and  splendid  suit  of  armor  betrayed  her 
into  ruin,  *  In  this  circumstance  our  critic  discovers 
a  moral  concealed ;  this  he  admires  as  a  neat  though 
oblique  satire  on  that  trifling  passion.  (See  Spectator, 
Vol.  I.,  Xo.  15.) 

Upon  this,  quiet  James  Ilcrvey  writes :  "  I  would 
refer  it  to  tlie  judicious  reader,  whether  there  is  not 
a  beauty  of  the  same  kind,  but  touched  with  a  m.ore 
masterly  hand,  in  the  song  of  Deborah.  Speaking 
of  Sisera's  mother,  the  sacred  eueharistic  ode  repre- 
sents her  as  anticipating,  in  her  fond  fancy,  the  vic- 
tory of  her  son,  and  indulging  in  the  following 
soliloquy :  '  Have  they  not  sped  ?  Have  they  not 
divided  the  prey  ?  To  Sisera  a  prey  of  divers  colors, 
a  prey  of  divers  colors  of  needlework  on  both  sides, 


REV.    FREDERICK    J.    JOBSON,     D.D.        69 

meet  for  the  necks  of  tliem  that  take  the  spoil  ?' 
She  takes  no  notice  of  the  signal  service  which  her 
hero  would  do  Iris  country,  by  quelling  so  danger- 
ous an  insurrection.  She  never  reflects  on  the  pre- 
sent acclamations,  the  future  advancement,  and  the 
eternal  renown  which  are  the  tributes  usually  paid 
to  a  conqueror's  merit.  She  can  conceive,  it  seems, 
nothing  greater  than  to  be  clad  in  an  embroidered 
vesture,  and  to  trail  along  the  ground  a  robe  of  the 
richest  dyes.  This  is,  in  her  imagination,  the  most 
lordly  spoil  he  can  win,  the  most  stately  trophy  he 
can  erect.  It  is  also  observable  how  she  dwells  upon 
the  trivial  circumstance,  reiterating  it  again  and 
again ;  it  has  so  charmed  her  ignoble  heart,  so  en- 
tirely engrossed  her  little  views,  that  she  can  think 
of  nothing  else,  speak  of  nothing  else,  and  can  hardly 
desist  from  the  darling  topic.  Is  not  this  a  keen 
though  delicately  couched  censure  on  that  poor, 
contemptible,  grovelling  taste  which  is  enamored 
with  silken  finery,  and  makes  the  attributes  of  a  but- 
terfly the  idol  of  its  affections  ?" 

I  make  these  quotations,  and  shall  allow  you  to 
make  the  application.  An  English  Wesleyan 
preacher,  shining  in  cloths  and  silks,  and  absolutely 
glittering  with  jewelry,  ought  to  receive  at  least 
this  passing  notice. 


70  PERSONAGES. 

I  heard  Mr.  Jobson  in  the  pulpit  once.  I  need 
not  say  there  was  a  great  crowd  to  hear  him.  In- 
dianapolis was  full  of  people,  lief  preached  in  one 
of  the  central  churches,  and  it  was  his  sermon  be- 
fore the  General  Conference.  True,  ho  had  ad- 
dressed tlic  Conference  briefly  on  his  arrival,  and 
had  preached  in  some  of  the  churches  duriniij  the 
Sabbath ;  but  this  was  his  .'icrmon  before  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  American  clergy.  In  addition  to 
all  this,  somebody  in  the  old  country  had  written  a 
])riva(e  letter  to  somebody  in  this  country,  telling  him 
to  hear  Mr.  Jobson,  for  his  oratory  reminded  the 
people  in  England  of  Dr.  Chalmers  more  than  of 
any  other  living  num.  This  letter  was  published, 
and  those  of  us  who  had  read  it,  went  to  lu'ar  Dr. 
Chalmers  as  well  as  Mr.  Jobson  ;  and  I  do  not  know 
that  any  of  us  went  away  disappointed.  lie  waited 
quietly  until  the  people  were  packed  and  seated  ; 
then  as  soon  as  the  Bishop  told  him  to  proceed,  he 
was  o//'.  He  read  eloquently,  prayed  rapturously, 
and  preached  like  a  man  ^\•ho  had  been  ereate<l  and 
sent  into  this  world  for  no  other  purpose — has  plenty 
of  action,  ^tremendous  volume  of  voice,  and  almost 
unbounded  eommand  of  language;  and  with  all 
these  attributes  of  the  finished  orator,  he  moves  on 
like  a  torrent,  bearing   down  every   thing  before 


REV.     FREDERICK    J.     JOBSON,     D.D.        71 

liim.  The  late  Dr.  "Watson,  after  hearing  him,  sat 
down  and  wrote  to  his  paper:  "Mr.  Jobson  does 
not  liave  to  get  up  steam — all  he  has  to  do  is  to  let 
it  off." 

It  was  the  most  scriptural  sermon  I  have  heard. 
If  you  are  fond  of  "homiletics,"  I  here  present  you 
a  "sketch"  of  it:  Eph.  iii.  14-21,  inclusive. 

Introduction. — "  For  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees 
unto  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  whom 
the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named." 

1.  An  enumeration  of  tue  blessings  mentioned. 
— "That  he  would  grant  you,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened  wdth  might 
by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man  ; 

"  That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by  faith ; 
that  ye,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love, 

"  May  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  saints  what 
is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height; 

"And  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth 
knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with  all  the  ful- 
ness of  God." 

2.  God's  ability  to  bestow  them  all.  —  "Now 
unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  tho 
power  that  worketh  iu  us." 

3.  Our  gratitude  to  God  for  ever. — "Unto  him 


72  PERSONAGES. 

1)C  glory  ill  the  Clmrtli  l)y  Christ  Jesus  tlirough- 
out  all  ages,  world  without  end.     Amen." 

Ou  Monday  afternoon,  May  19th,  185G,  Mr.  Job- 
son  took  leave  of  the  General  Conference.  His 
speech  on  this  occasion,  a  meagre  report  of.wirK'h 
is  given  below,  left  an  exceedingly  pleasant  impres- 
sion, lie  said,  when  he  had  the  honor  of  being  first 
introduced  to  the  Conference,  ho  did  not  know 
what  to  say ;  and  now,  after  he  had  gone  in  and  out 
among  them  for  seventeen  or  eighteen  days,  he  was 
still  at  a  loss.  He  must  use  strong  language  as  ex- 
pressive of  his  feelings,  and  say:  Fathers  and  bre- 
thren, I  love  you.  He  could  give  strong  reasons  for 
his  attachment.  lie  loved  them  as  fellow-laborers 
in  the  gospel  field.  lie  loved  them  in  their  free,  out- 
spoken manner.  He  loved  freedom  of  thought,  and 
freedom  of  speech,  as 

*'  Thoughts  shut  up  would  spoil, 
Like  bales  unopened  to  the  sun." 

Free,  open,  undaunted  discussion  was  always  dear 
to  him.  He  loved  them  for  the  devout  spirit  they 
manifested  in  their  deliberations,  as  well  as  in  their 
labors  for  the  salvation  of  souls,  lie  might  say, 
with  liis  friend,  he  loved  them  for  the  kind  and 
generous  maimor  in  which  they  had  received  and 
treated  him.    He  loved  the  BishojJs  for  their  gravity 


REV.     FREDERICK    J.     JOBSON,     D.D.       73 

and  wisdom,  and  for  the  zeal  tliey  manifested  in 
the  cause  of  God.  He  loved  the  old  men,  the 
fathers,  and  the  young  men,  and  he  wanted  to 
say  to  those  venerable  men,  we  will  not  leave 
Methodiem  worse  than  we  found  it.  These  young 
men  are  strong,  zealous,  self-sacrificing,  and  he 
was  happy  to  say  they  had  the  same  kind  in  his 
country.  The  speaker  here  alluded  most  feelingly 
to  Mr.  Hunt,  the  Fejeean  missionary,  to  his  early 
life  and  training,  and  related  some  amusing  anec- 
dotes and  thrilling  passages  in  the  life  of  that 
devoted  man,  that  produced  a  powerful  impres- 
sion upon  the  Conference.  He  thanked  God  that 
the  great  brotherhood  of  JMcthodism  was  one,  and 
he  would  join  his  friends  in  praying  that  the 
General  Conference  would  send  to  their  Confer- 
ence delegates  frequentl}^  that  England  and  Ame- 
rica might  be  united  jNIethodistically.  They  were 
one  in  language,  and  one  in  religion,  and  he 
prayed  that  they  might  remain  one  for  ever.  He 
was  now  four  thousand  miles  away  from  home, 
and  yet  he  saw  before  him  Englishmen  and  Eng- 
lishwomen, that  made  all  things  look  familiar  as 
liomc. 

Tliis  speech  left  the  Conference  and  the  vast  as- 
semblage bathed  in  tears,  and  radiant  with  smiles. 
3  t 


74  TERRONAGES. 

There  is  this  power  about  the  oratory  of  !Mr.  Job- 
son — he  can  superinduce  feelings  of  sadness,  or 
produce  thrills  of  joy,  at  his  own  pleasure. 

Mr.  Jobsou  landed  safely  at  home,  and  spoke  be- 
fore his  Conference,  of  the  American  country  and 
people,  in  the  most  glowing  terms.  He  is  about 
forty. 

St.  Louis,  Jan.  24,  1857. 


B  A  Y  A  R  D     T  A  Y  L  0  R  .  75 


BAYARD    TAYLOR, 

THE    THAVELLER. 

I  HEARD  Bayard  Taylor  last  night.  I  have  seen 
and  heard  this  celebrated  traveller  before.  Directly 
after  his  last  return  from  the  Old  "World  to  the 
United  States,  he  was  invited  west  of  the  Missis- 
sippi as  a  public  lecturer.  His  audiences  were  not 
large  enough,  but  his  subjects  were.  On  the  occa- 
sion alluded  to,  Mr.  Taylor  selected,  as  the  subject 
for  his  first  lecture,  "The  Arab."  During  its  de- 
livery he  repeated  the  description  of  "  Sultan  Fill- 
more's Palace,"  as  given  by  himself  to  a  company 
of  credulous  and  amazed  Arabs.  The  reader  will 
probably  recollect  this  remarkable  specimen  of 
American  boasting.  It  was  copied  into  the  secular 
press  generally  throughout  our  country',  and  was 
lieaded,  "Bayard  Taylor  Abroad,"  or  "An  Ameri- 
can Abroad,"  or  "A  Yankee  Abroad,"  etc.  Mr. 
Taylor  was  telling  us  of  the  propensity  of  the  Arab 
to  lie.     lie  remained  in  Arabia  and  associated  with 


76  PERSONAQKS. 

the  descendants  of  Islimael  so  long,  that  lie  found 
himself  under  the  influence  of  the  same  disposition. 
One  night  he  had  listened  to  their  marvellous  sto- 
ries— almost  equal  to  the  Arabian  Nights — until  ho 
could  endure  no  longer.  So  he  prepared  himself 
for  the  wordy  combat,  and  spoke  out.  The  result 
was  his  description  of  "  Sultan  Fillmore's  Palace." 
Mr.  Taj'lor  "beat  them  at  their  own  game"  so  far, 
that  they  hyperbolized  no  more  to  the  subject  of 
the  great  "  Sultan  Fillmore."  He  observed  to  us 
that  he  had  abandoned  the  practice,  measurably, 
since  he  had  gotten  back  among  matter-of-fact, 
truth-loving  people  !  I  confess  to  an  astonishment 
at  the  stories  contained  in  the  Arabian  Nights — 
have  always  considered  them  as  the  production  of 
an  order  of  mind  not  now  possessed  or  manifested; 
but,  since  listening  to  Air.  Taylor's  account  of  tho 
conversation  oi"  ihe  inmates  of  an  Arab's  tent, 
during  a  long  evening — and  especially  since  hear- 
ing his  description  of  the  gorgeous  visions  which 
he  and  his  cunijxt/jnon  du  voyage  had,  while  under 
the  iiiihience  of  one  of  their  "drinks,"  my  asto- 
nishment has  somewhat  abated.  I  think  he  could 
write  a  pretty  good  continuation  of  that  remarkable 
book. 

The  subject  of  the  second  lecture  was  "Japan 


BAYARDTAYLOR.  77 

ai^d  tlio  Japanese."  He  gave  us  an  account,  of 
considerable  length,  of  tlic  expedition  of  Commo- 
dore Perry  to  Japan,  accompanied  with  many  valu- 
able reflections  on  the  nature  and  probable  results 
of  that  hazardous  voyage.  This  lecture  was  more 
interesting  than  the  tirst.  We  know  much  of  the 
Arabs ;  we  know  very  little  of  the  Japanese ;  con- 
sequently, in  his  first  lecture,  he  told  us  much  that 
was  familiar ;  in  his  second,  we  heard  scarcely  any 
thing  that  we  knew  before.  Mr.  Taylor  left  next 
morning,  I  believe — left>us  to  shine  on  some  more 
intellectual  people — left  in  disgust,  no  doubt;  for 
our  people  had  exhibited  a  total  want  of  ability'-  to 
appreciate  a  modest  and  sensible  man,  who  desired 
to  give  them  instruction  in  a  modest  and  sensible 
way.  Robert  Hall  said  once  of  the  Liverpool 
people,  "  "What  a  parcel  of  pigs  they  must  be,  not 
to  like  Dr.  McAll !"  So  sa}^  I  of  any  people  who 
do  not  greet  Bayard  Taylor. 

More  than  a  year  has  passed  away,  and  the  dis- 
tinguished poet,  traveller,  editor,  and  author,  is  in 
our  midst  again.  We  have  repented  of  the  injus- 
tice we  once  did  liim,  and  last  night,  from  the  plat- 
form of  the  grandest  saloon  of  the  West,  he  looked 
out  upon  fifteen  hundred  smiling  faces  !  After  all, 
that  interesting  individual  known  as  "The  Public" 


78  P  E  II  S  0  N  A  0  E  S . 

is  a  person  of  more  discriniinatiou  than  wc  arc  ac- 
customed to  tliiiik.  I'rofessor  George  AVm.  Curtis, 
a  travelling  litterateur^  who  spent  four  years  abroad, 
who  wrote  The  Nile  Notes,  Ilowadji  in  Syria, 
Lotus-eating,  and  The  Potiphar  Tapers,  stood  and 
delivered  us  three  lectures  not  long  since.  Ilis  in- 
effably small  talk,  his  old-maidish  love  of  slang,  his 
poorly  disguised  contempt  for  religion  and  its  min- 
isters, and  even  his  occasional  excess  of  charm,  left 
the  community  barely  willing  ever  to  see  him  or  hear 
him  again.  The  Rev.  l)r..AchiUi,  too,  an  Italian 
of  world-Avide  notoriety,  the  mildness  of  whose  lec- 
tures against  Topery  is  only  surpassed  by  their  fury 
against  Protestantism,  is  scarcely  out  of  town. 
"The  Public"  here  sent  him  on  last  Sunday  even- 
ing not  more  than  one  hundred  people  to  be  "mo- 
rally pitched  into."  And  Dr.  Cox,  "the  old  man 
eloquent,"  may  visit  us  again,  it'  he  chooses,  as  a 
patriotic  American,  as  a  New-School  Presbyterian 
clergyman,  as  the  central  charm  of  many  an  even- 
ing coterie;  but  in  all  good  conscience  we  shall 
find  no  further  use  lor  him  as  a  lecturer  on  history. 
Taylor  has  spent  no  more  money  than  Curtis — per- 
haps not  so  much — in  the  gratifications  of  foreign 
travel :  Taylor  has  been  abroad  no  longer  than 
Curtis — I  think  not  so  long;  but  he  went  abroad 


BAYARD    TAYLOR.  70 

Avitli  a  different  pair  of  eyes,  and  lias  returned  a 
better-balanced  man,  Taylor  has  endured  and  suf- 
fered no  more  than  Dr.  Achilli — not  near  so  much ; 
but  his  endurance  and  sufferings  have  left  him  a 
milder,  a  wiser,  and  a  better  man,  than  the  great 
Italian.  Taylor  has  some  learning,  has  seen  some 
things,  and  written  a  few  books,  as  well  as  Dr. 
Cox ;  but  then,  he  understands  so  much  better  how 
to  keep  himself  modestly  in  the  background  than 
the  great  Doctor  !  The  one  is  always  the  hero  of 
his  own  story  in  his  own  estimation,  but  is  never 
so  in  yours :  the  other  is  never  the  hero  in  his  own 
eyes,  but  is  always  so  in  yours.  Taylor  can  occupy 
our  homes,  our  hearts,  and  our  halls,  for  a  Avholc 
season:  for  the  others  we  care — not  much. 

His  subject  was  "India."  In  his  long  wander- 
ings he  had  often  been  excited,  but  never  so  much 
as  when  approaching  the  shores  of  India.  A  new 
country  appears  nevv.  America  is  a  new  country — 
its  air,  its  forests,  its  waters,  its  earth,  are  fresh, 
and  seem  as  if  "made  to  order."  An  old  country 
looks  old.  India  is  an  old  country — the  air,  the 
forests,  the  waters,  and  the  soil,  are  old,  and  seem 
to  have  been  in  use  a  long  time.  India  resembles 
Mexico.  If  he  had  been  carried  to  India  asleep, 
and  had  been  waked  up  in  the  interior  of  the  conn- 


80  PERSONAGES. 

try,  he  would  liavo  looked  around  him,  and  ex- 
claimed, "  This  is  Mexico  !"  If  the  people  of  these 
United  States  were  not  so  ohstinately  opposed  to 
the  acquisition  of  new  territory,  (!)  they  micjht 
some  day  govern  as  heautiful  a  country  as  India — 
namely,  Mexico.  The  Himalaya  Mountains  were 
lofty  and  grand  bej'ond  description.  We  ought  at 
least  to  respect  the  reverence  and  devotion  of  the 
Hindoos.  The  basis  of  their  cumbrous  and  impos- 
ing system  of  religion  is  a  true  one — a  belief  in  the 
existence  of  one  God.  The  Hindoos  believe  that  all 
English  and  Americans  arc  unclean — that  every 
vessel  touched  by  them  is  unclean..  His  journey 
through  their  country  occasioned  the  destruction 
of  nmch  crockery.  When  thirsty,  he  would  ask 
the  use  of  a  vessel  to  dip  some  water ;  they  would 
refuse,  of  course ;  he  would  take  the  vessel  and 
drink  ;  thoy  would  break  it  forthwith,  because  he, 
a  sinner,  had  polluted  it !  The  literature  of  India 
is  perhaps  the  oldest,  most  extensive,  and  most 
beautiful  in  the  world.  The  Sanscrit,  or  sacred 
language  of  the  Hindoos,  is  said  to  be  the  finest  of 
all  languages  for  tlie  expression  of  metaphysical 
thought.  Mr.  Taylor  concluded  with  a  very  able 
estimate  of  the  cfovernment  of  India  under  the 
British  East  India  Company.     On  the  whole,  India 


BAYARDTAYLOR.  81 

lias  been  benefited ;  and  yet,  the  Company  has  fre- 
quently been  guilty  of  acts  of  injustice,  and  even 
cruelty,  towards  the  natives.  These  are  a  few  of 
the  "stand-points"  which  the  lecturer  made  while 
passing  through  a  production  teeming  with  thought 
as  India  teems  with  inhabitants. 

Since  writing,  I  have  heard  Mr.  Taylor  on  "  The 
Philosophy  of  Travel."  Heretofore  his  lectures 
had  been  in  tlie  narrative  style,  or  rather,  I  should 
say,  the  descriptive  style — the  style  of  his  books — 
descriptions  of  voyages  and  journe3^s,  diiFerent 
lands  and  their  inhabitants,  manners  and  customs, 
temples  of  religion  and  worship  of  gods.  It  was 
therefore  natural  that  his  admirers  should  feel 
some  anxiety  about  his  success  as  a  lecturer  on 
abstract  subjects.  We  have  heard  him,  and  our 
verdict  is  this :  If  Mr.  Taylor  has  been  travelling 
to  furnish  himself  with  matter  for  poems,  books, 
or  lectures,  he  need  travel  no  longer.  And  if  any 
one  should  inquire  why  he  has  travelled  so  much, 
so  earl}-  in  life,  this  lecture  is  the  key  which  ex- 
plains the  whole  of  his  travels  and  toils,  his  self- 
denials,  and  his  remarkable  life.  He  is  an  insane 
man,  and  nothing  short  of  it,  if  there  is  not  a 
reality  and  a  reasonableness  in  the  motives  which 
have  governed  him.    Look  at  the  nations  of  ancient 


bZ  PERSONAGES. 

and  modern  times  that  have  travelled.  They  have 
been  the  known  and  acknowledged  powers  of  the 
world.  Look  at  the  nations  of  ancient  and  modern 
times  that  have,  under  the  influence  of  indolence 
or  the  laws  of  caste,  remained  at  lionie !  They 
have  evorheen  the  dwarfed,  unknown  and  unknow- 
ing, people  of  earth.  The  Anglo-Saxon  race  is  a 
travelling  race;  and  it  is  yet  destined,  in  more  re- 
spects than  one,  to  rule  the  world.  The  negro  race 
discovers  no  })ropensity  to  travel,  except  now  and 
then  from  our  Southern  States  to  Canada  ;  and  of 
all  the  races  of  men,  it  has  the  least  influence.  I 
know  of  some  sapient  fathers  and  fond  mothers, 
who  never  were,  and  never  will  be,  willing  for 
their  sons  to  open  their  eyes  beyond  their  own  visi- 
ble horizon.  Keej)  them  close  at  homo,  dear  old 
friends  I  but  if  your  neighbor's  manly  and  enter- 
prising son  returns  from  abroad,  do  not  wonder 
why  everyl)ody  considers  him,  and  why  he  really 
is,  amazingly  superior  to  your  huge  tun  of  a  boy. 

Mr.  Taylor  has  seen  nearly  every  land  and  every 
city  from  California  to  .lajian,  and  consequently 
nearly  every  city  and  every  land  from  Japan  to 
California  has  seen  this  earnest  and  remarkable 
young  man.  It  was  befitting,  therefore,  that  he 
should  close  his  present  "Course"  with  a  lecture 


BAYARD    TAYLOR.  83 

on  "The  Animal  ISIan."  Perhaps  no  one,  save  the 
venerable  Humboldt,  is  better  prepared  to  write  on 
man's  animal  nature  than  Bayard  Taylor.  He  has 
seen  man  in  every  zone  of  the  earth — in  every  state 
of  society,  from  the  savage  to  the  enlightened — re- 
joicing or  sorrowing  under  every  form  of  govern- 
ment or  anarchy — elevated  or  depressed  by  every 
system  of  religion,  from  the  life-giving  doctrines  of 
the  Church  of  Christ,  to  the  Avild  vagaries  and  un- 
meaning ceremonies  of  the  countr^mien  of  Confu- 
cius— and  in  every  social  position,  from  the  Hindoo 
servant  who  calls  himself  "your  beast,"  to  the 
palaccd  Londoner.  He  knows  the  animal  man.  To 
hear  this  lecture  on  "Man,"  though  the  earth  was 
covered  deep,  and  tlie  snow  still  falling  rapidly  from 
clouds  that  promised  an  abundance,  hundreds  of 
solid  men  and  fair  women  assembled  in  our  "Grand 
Hall."  As  the  Scotchman  wrote  of  Channinsf's 
mind,  I  write  of  this  lecture :  "  It  was  planted  as 
thick  with  thoughts  as  a  backwood  of  his  own  nia<j^- 
nificent  land;  and,  when  loosened  in  eloquence, 
they  moved  down  on  the  slow  and  solemn  current 
of  his  style,  like  floats  of  fir  descending  one  of  the 
American  rivers." 

Of  the  purely  literary  men  whom  I  have  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  and  hearing.  Bayard  Taylor  is 


84  PERSONAGES. 

the  most  unequivocally  religious.  lie  quotes  patri- 
archs, kings,  and  prophets,  Christ  and  his  apostles, 
as  authorities  not  to  be  disputed.  He  describes 
with  religions  enthusiasm  the  bright  "sun"  of 
Christianity  obscuring  the  pale  "crescent"  of  Mo- 
hammedanism. He  glories  in  the  belief  that  all 
men  will  yet  worship  the  true  God,  and  adopt  the 
Christian  faith.  He  tried  to  remember  and  observe 
the  Sabbath-day  in  Central  Africa.  He  announces 
boldly,  that  in  all  his  perils,  by  land  and  by  sea,  he 
felt  he  was  protected  by  the  hand  of  God.  He  ad- 
vises young  men  to  travel ;  to  enter  upon  their  voy- 
ages trusting  in  the  providence  of  God,  and  they 
will  return  safely  to  their  homes,  wiser  and  better 
men.  How  different  the  sentiments  of  Mr.  "  How- 
adji"  Curtis,  in  his  lecture  on  the  "Gilt  and  Gold 
of  Young  America!"  Take  this  for  example.  The 
young  preacher,  without  any  knowledge  of  the 
world,  goes  from  his  study  to  the  pulpit,  and  confi- 
dently says:  '^Bcgood!  Be  (/ood !"  But  the  Aviser 
elder,  having  acquired  a  large  knowledge  of  man- 
kind, enters  his  pulpit,  and  modestly  says  :  '■^ If  you 
canvoi  be  f/ood,  he  as  good  as  you  can."  Such  advice 
as  the  former  wc  wouhl  expect  from  Mr.  Taylor; 
such  as  the  latter  we  would  expect  from  Mr.  Curtis. 
Bayard  Taylor  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 


BAYARD     TAYLOR.  85 

is  thirty  years  of  age.  lie  is  perhaps  six  feet  in 
height,  with  quite  a  slender  frame.  lie  is  a  very 
young,  lively,  healthy,  handsome  -  looking  man, 
who  wears  hlack  hair  on  his  head,  and  chin,  and 
upper  lip,  and  covers  his  body  with  plain  black 
cloth.  He  comes  to  his  lectures  late,  stands  be- 
fore his  audience  erect  and  feai-less,  gestures  indif- 
ferently, enunciates  slowl}^  and  distinctly — so  much 
so,  that  you  could  quite  easily  call  out  the  marks 
of  punctuation  as  he  proceeds.  "He  certainly  has 
been  a  printer,  or  an  editor,  or  both,"  a  stranger 
remarked. 

Bayard  Taylor's  first  production  was  a  small 
volume  of  poems ;  then  came  Views  Afoot ;  or, 
Europe  seen  with  Knapsack  and  Staff,  in  1847. 
Rhymes  of  Travel,  Ballads,  and  other  Poems,  ap- 
peared in  1848.  Eldorado ;  or.  Adventures  in  the 
Path  of  Empire,  two  volumes  in  one,  was  published 
in  1850.  Poems  of  the  Orient  appeared  in  Boston, 
1854.  Bomances,  Lyrics,  and  Songs,  about  the 
same  time.  I  have  two  other  volumes  before  mo 
by  Mr.  Taylor,  one  A  Journey  to  Central  Africa, 
the  other  The  Lands  of  the  Saracen,  both  pub- 
lished in  1855.  His  lectures,  when  published,  will 
be  his  most  interesting  book  to  many  readers. 

One  who  has  labored  so  hard,  travelled  so  far, 


86  PERSONAGE^. 

and  written  this  pile  of  volumes  now  hcfore  me, 
might,  just  turned  of  thirty,  now  enjoy  a  little 
of  that  oriental  repose  of  which  he  speaks  so  elo- 
quently. 

St.  Locis,  March  15,  1855. 


REV.   CHARLES   B.   PARSONS,   D.  D.,   LL.D.        87 


REV.  CHARLES  B.  PARSONS,  D.D.,  LL.D.,* 

THE    CONVERTED    ACTOR. 

The  First  Metliodist  Episcopal  Cliurcli,  South,  in 
St.  Louis,  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Eighth  street 
aud  AV^ashington  avenue.  The  lot  of  ground  on 
which  it  stands  is  one  hundred  and  sixteen  feet 
deep  in  one  place,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-one 
feet  deep  in  another,  by  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
three  feet  front :  costing  sixteen  thousand  dollars. 

This  church  is  built  in  the  Norman  style  of  archi- 
tecture— George  I.  Barnett,  Architect;  Messrs.  Sage 
and  AVebster,  builders — costing  thirt^'-four  thousand 
dohars.  Length,  one  hundred  and  nine  feet; 
breadth,  sixty-five  feet;  height,  seventy-five  feet. 
The  basement-story  is  above  the  surface,  and  con- 

*  Alas!  Since  all  this  was  written.  Dr.  l'ar!?oris  has  left  us,  and 
entered  the  ministry  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Denomination  ;  and 
ia  now  the  Hector  of  Calvary  Parish,  in  the  Diocese  of  Kentucky. 


88  PERSONAGES. 

tains  the  pastor's  study,  a  relicarsal-room,  two  class- 
rooms, a  liall,  a  cliapel,  a  Sunday-scliool  library- 
room,  a  furnace-room,  and  an  ample  vestibule. 
The  suifc  of  rooms  just  mentioned  is  eighteen  feet 
by  fifteen ;  the  hall,  dividing  these  from  the  chapel, 
is  nine  feet  in  width  ;  the  chapel  will  scat  about  four 
hundred  persons ;  the  Sunday-school  library-room 
is  sixteen  feet  by  fourteen ;  cost  of  furnaces,  five 
hundred  dollars;  and  the  width  of  the  vestibule  is 
sixteen  feet. 

The  basement-story  is  finished  and  furnished 
throughout;  lighted  in  the  daytime  by  stained  glass 
windows,  and  at  night  with  gas ;  ormimented  in 
front  l)y  a  handsome  portico,  sustained  by  massive 
iron  ])il]ar.s.  This  story  may  be  entered  by  six 
large  doors. 

Xow  we  will  enter  a  very  spacious  doorway  in 
front,  will  turn  either  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the 
left,  and  through  any  one  of  four  doors  wc  will  pass 
into  the  main  audiciiee-room.  MiUjiiiJiccnt!  It  is 
ninety  feet  long  by  sixty  feet  wide,  handsomely 
carpeted.  The  pews  are  circular,  and  elegantly 
cushioned.  There  are  four  aisles,  sufficiently  wide, 
though  not  the  widest.  The  altar  and  puljnt  are 
much  larger  than  usual,  carpeted  with  the  finest 
velvet  and  liirui.shed  with  a  sofa,  a  table,  and  three 


EEV.    CHARLES   B.    TARSONS,    D.  D.,    L  L.  D.       89 

chairs,  surpassing  any  pulpit  and  altar-furniture  tbat 
I  liave  noticed.  Forty  persons  can  kneel  comfort- 
ably at  tlic  altar.  Tlie  walls  of  tlie  church,  inside, 
have  been  made  to  assume  somewhat  the  appear- 
ance of  granite.  This  room  is  lighted  in  daytime 
by  eighteen  stained-glass  windows ;  two  of  which, 
the  one  in  front  and  the  one  in  the  rear,  are  rose- 
windows  of  enormous  isize.  It  is  lighted  at  night 
by  chandeliers  and  gas-burners  which  cost  about 
one  thousand  dollars.  It  has  l)ut  one  gallery — a 
front  gallery — twenty  feet  wide  and  sixty  feet  long. 
The  ceiling,  which  is  forty-four  feet  from  the  floor, 
is  painted  in  oil,  grained  oak,  with  oak  decorations. 
The  building  is  covered  with  slate.  The  fronts  of 
portico  and  church  arc  surmounted  with  handsome 
ornaments.  A  row  of  shade-trees,  broad  pave- 
ments, elegant  fencing,  and  yards  set  with  a  beau- 
tiful species  of  grass,  surround  this  magnificent 
Christian  temple. 

"Behold  thy  temple,  God  of  grace, 

The  house  that  we  have  reared  for  thee ; 
Regard  it  as  thy  resting-place, 
And  fill  it  with  thy  majesty." 

The  parsonage  (I  despise  the  word)  of  the  First 
Church  is  a  large  and  comfortable  dwelling,  built 
of  brick,  by  L.  1).  Baker.     It  stands  on  the  same 


90  PERSONAGES. 

lot,  a  few  feet  west  of  tlie  church.  It  is  tlirec  stories 
hiij:h  above  the  cellar,  containing  a  parlor,  u  (lining- 
room,  five  bed-rooms,  a  bathing-room,  ample  halls, 
wardrobes  and  closets,  a  kitchen,  and  servants' 
room.  AVhen  I  mention  that  it  has  a  yard  siifli- 
ciently  large,  a  small  portico  in  front,  that  it  is  well 
furnished  by  the  Church,  and  is  lighted  throughout 
with  gas,  the  description  closes.  This  parsonage 
cost  upwards  of  four  thousand  dollars,  besides  the 
ground.     It  is  said  to  be  the  best  in  the  city. 

The  sexton's  house  is  built  on  the  same  lot  with 
the  church  and  parsonage.  It  is  just  in  the  rear — 
built  of  brick  —  contains  four  rooms,  and  cost 
about  one  thousand  dollars.  There  is  a  bountiful 
supply  of  good  Mississippi  water  in  the  yards. 

Rev.  Charles  B.  Parsons,  D.  1).,  of  Louisville, 
was  unanimously  chosen  to  present  this  i)ropcrty  an 
ottering  unto  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and  dedicate  it  to 
His  service.  ]t  was  lilting  that  this  distinguished 
preacher  should  have  been  selected  for  the  occasion. 
I  know  a  few  men  of  greater  talent,  and  a  few  of 
more  extensive  and  })rofound  erudition,  in  the  ^Tc- 
thodist  Church,  than  Dr.  Tarsons;  but  I  know 
not  one  who  is  so  perfectly  equal  to  what  we  call  a 
(jrcat  occasion  as  he.  Any  reader  familiar  with  the 
antecedents  uf  \)i\  I'arsuns  will  not  be  astonished 


REV.    CHARLES   B.    PARSONS,    D.  D.,    LL.D.        91 

at  tliis  statement.  He  has  been  accustomed  to 
meet  great  occasions,  I  am  told.  "  Practice  makes 
perfect." 

The  day  of  the  dedication,  Sunday,  December 
31st,  1854,  was  a  delightful  Christian  Sabbath.  Pro- 
vidence favored  us  with  one  of  those  brisk  and 
beautiful  December  days  that  are  seldom  equalled. 
At  half-past  ten  o'clock  the  preacher  entered  the 
pulpit,  and  looked  out  on  as  large  an  audience  as  I 
have  ever  seen  assembled  in  the  house  of  God. 
Every  Methodist  church  in  the  city,  excepting  two, 
suspended  their  regular  services  for  this  occasion. 
After  conducting  the  opening  services  himself.  Dr. 
Parsons  announced  this  text :  Psalm  Ixxxvii.  5 : 
"And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said.  This  and  that  man 
was  born  in  her  ;  and  the  Highest  himself  shall 
establish  her."  The  text  being  read  and  introduced, 
lie  announced  this  theme :  "  The  Divinity  of  the 
Church,"  and  proceeded — slowly,  very  slowly,  at 
first;  but  afterwards  with  the  thundering  utterance, 
graceful,  powerful  action,  and  rush  of  soul,  char- 
acteristic of  the  man,  when  assisted  by  the  Holy 
Ghost.  And,  although  this  sermon  was  not  pre- 
cisel}^  equal  to  one  I  heard  from  him  two  years  ago, 
in  Tennessee,  yet  it  was  far  above  the  ordinary; 
and  the  celebrated  pulpit  orator  gave  fresh  evidence 


92  PERSONAGES. 

to  his  old  friends  and  admirers  that  he  still  possessed 
"  the  action,  and  the  utterance,  and  the  power  of 
speech,"  as  avcII  as  the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  *'to 
stir  men's  blood."  The  trustees  of  the  church  have 
asked  and  obtained  a  copy  of  this  sermon  for  pub- 
lication. It  Avill  appear  in  a  small  volume,  prepared 
by  the  writer,  and  entitled :  "A  Memorial  of  the 
ISIcthodist  Church  in  the  City  of  St.  Louis."  After 
the  sermon,  a  suflicient  collection  was  taken  ;  and 
after  the  collection,  the  dedicatory  services  were 
performed,  and  prayer  offered,  in  the  most  solemn 
and  impressive  manner. 

The  services  in  the  afternoon  were  conducted  by 
the  pastor  of  the  church,  assisted  by  Rev.  William 
R.  Babcock  and  Rev.  George  Copway,  the  Indian 
Chief.  The  large  audience-room  was  well  lillod  dur- 
ing tliis  service.  The  preacher's  text  was  Rom.  xii. 
5 :  "  So  we,  being  many,  are  one  body  in  Christ, 
and  every  one  members  one  of  another."  His  sub- 
ject was:  "Unity  with  Variety  in  the  Churcli  of 
God."  The  trustees  of  the  church  have  also. re- 
quested a  copy  of  this  sermon  for  publication.  It 
has  been  furnished,  and  will  appear  with  Dr.  I'ar- 
sons's  sermon,  in  the  "  Memorial." 

The  dedication  Sabbath  being  the  last  day  in  the 
yea^,  its  closing  hours  were  improved,   after  our 


REV.    CHARLES   B.    PARSONS,    D.  D.,    LL.  D.        93 

good  old  ]\Ictliodist  custom,  as  a  watcli-niglit.  The 
evening  was  as  calm  and  beautiful  "as  ever  star 
slione  on."  The  house,  nt  nine  o'clock,  was  filled 
from  pulpit  to  pavement.  All  the  Methodist 
churches  in  the  city  were  represented  in  the  assem- 
bly. The  usual  Sabbath-evening  services  having 
been  performed  in  the  various  Protestant  churches, 
their  members  came  in  companies.  About  half- 
after  nine,  I  noticed  the  anointed  heads  of  more 
than  a  dozen  neighboring  clergymen,  peering  up 
amidst  the  throng.  When  the  house  was  filled  to 
its  utmost  capacity,  the  people  left  by  scores  and 
hundreds  who  could  gain  no  admittance.  And  now 
all  was  still.  The  serene  congregation  of  the  stars 
was  shining,  and  watching,  and  worshipping  above ; 
while  we  were  singing,  and  listening,  and  watching, 
and  worshipping  below.  The  Old  Year  was  fold- 
ing up 

"  His  weary  wing  upon  his  withered  licart," 

while  the  New  Year,  with  outspread  pinions,  was 
sweeping  onward  to  us 

"With  health  gushing  from  a  thousand  springs." 

Dr.  Parsons  preached  another  powerful  sermon, 
to  an  audience  wide  awake  and  deeply  impressed, 
and  "  continued  his  speech  until  midnight" — nearly. 
If  I  were  to  speak  of  the  divisions  of  this  serr^on, 


94  PERSONAGES. 

I  should  say,  it  contained  distinct  licdgcs  and 
ditches — of  its  delivery,  I  should  say,  there  were 
peaks  and  i^oricos — of  its  spirit,  exceedingly  cliari- 
tiible — of  its  matter,  decidedly  orthodox.  After  a 
song  and  a  prayer,  Copway  stood  in  the  altar,  and 
delivered  a  farewell  address  to  the  dying  year,  al- 
most as  beautiful  and  eloquent  as  Envin's.  AVc 
sang  "  Renewing  the  Covenant,"  and  wore  led  in 
prayer  l>y  the  Ticv.  Wesley  Browning;  aftoi-  wliich, 
we  wished  each  other  "A  happy  New  Year!"  as  the 
vast  throng  were  departing.  Thus  passed  our  dedi- 
cation-day— one  of  the  highest  in  the  eventful  life 
of  Dr.  Parsons — thus  passed  the  last  day,  and  the 
last  Sabbath,  of  1854 — a  day  of  religious  instruc- 
tion, improvement,  and  joy, 

"This  life!     What  is  it  ?     Say. 
A  peevish  April-day. 
A  little  sun,  a  little  rain, 
And  then  nipht  sweeps  along  tlie  plain, 
And  all  thiii<;s  fade  away." 

I  had  heard  Dr.  Parsons  preach  twice  before  his 
late  visit  to  St.  Louis.  He  came  to  JsTashville,  Tenn., 
in  the  fall  of  1853,  to  dedicate  Ilobson's  Chapel,  in 
the  beautiful  suburb  of  Edgefield.  One-fourth  of 
the  mcml)ers  of  the  Tennessee  Conference  were 
present,  besides  a  large  congregation.  The  brethren 
were  on  their  wav  to  Franklin,  to  attend  the  session 


REV.    CHARLES   B.    TARSONS,    D.  D.,    LL.D.        95 

of  their  Amiual  Conference  ;  and,  attracted  l)y  the 
fame  of  this  facile  princcps  of  the  Louisville  pulpit, 
Edgefield  was  exactly  in  their  road.  His  text  on 
this  occasion  was  Psalm  xx.  5  :  "  "We  will  rejoice  in 
thy  salvation,  and  in  the  name  of  our  God  we  will 
set  up  our  banners."  To  be  a  Christian  preacher, 
and  sustain  what  Gilfillan  calls  "a  traditional  repu- 
tation," is  the  next  thing  to  an  impossibility.  But 
on  that  day  Dr.  Parsons  pierced  the  highest  heaven 
of  oratory  possible  to  him;  and  brethren  who  came 
with  high  opinions,  left  with  religious  admiration — 
brethren  who  came  to  be  cool  spectators,  left  all 
aglow  with  enthusiasm — brethren  who  came  to  criti- 
cise, saw  the  icy  rules  which  they  had  set  up  thawed 
down  by  warm  tears ;  and,  what  is  not  Avorst  of  all, 
some  who  came  to  give  twenty-five  cents,  sooth  to 
say,  gave  about  twenty-five  dollars.  ^'  lie  is  the 
most  eloquent  man  who  gains  his  point." 

There  are  many  men  of  reputation  we  are  satis- 
fied to  hear  no  more,  when  we  have  listened  to  them 
once.  As  an  instance,  I  went  to  hear  Thomas  II. 
Skinner,  D.D.,  deliver  the  opening  sermon  before 
the  Presb^'terian  General  Assembly,  yesterday  morn- 
ing. The  sermon  was  good  enough.  I  am  satis- 
fied. If  the  "  Committee  on  Religious  Exercises" 
should  not  read  him  out  for  our  pulpit  next  Sunday 


96  PERSONAQES. 

forenoon,  I  sliall  not  complain.  But  those  who  hear 
Dr.  Parsons  once,  are  willing  and  anxious  to  liear 
him  again.  It  was  difficult  for  the  Presiding  Elder 
to  secure  the  services  of  a  preacher  for  the  chapel 
ill  the  evening,  such  was  the  anxiety  of  all  to  follow 
him  to  Nashville  and  hear  him  again.  And  we  did 
follow  him,  and  formed  a  part  of  one  of  the  largest 
audiences  that  ever  assemhled  in  the  McKendree 
Church.  The  voice  of  the  preacher  was  hoarser, 
and  his  delivery  less  rapid  and  thrilling  than  in  the 
morning ;  but  his  matter  far  more  solid,  and  his  act- 
ing somewhat  more  suitable  to  the  pulpit.  It  was 
said,  at  the  time,  that  all  the  players  of  the  Nash- 
ville stage  were  present;  and,  on  retiring,  pro- 
nounced it  the  finest  sermon  they  had  heard  for  a 
long  time.  And  I  doubt  not  it  was  the  best  sermon, 
and  the  only  sermon,  they  had  heard  for  many 
months — perhaps  3'ears. 

The  friends  of  Dr.  Parsons  do  not  claim  for  him 
a  profound  miiid.  He  docs  not  belong  to  the  Ed- 
wards, or  AVeslcy,  or  Foster  school  of  intellect. 
Neither  do  they  claim  for  him  extensive  or  correct 
scholarship.  His  name  is  not  on  the  roll  where  the 
names  of  Clarke,  and  Professor  Stuart,  and  Dr. 
Alexander  are  written.  But  they  assert  his  claims 
to  talents  and  learning  above  the  ordinary. 


REV.    CHARLES    B.    PARSONS,    D.  D.,    LL.D.         97 

He  is  converted.  He  is  called  of  God  to  preach 
tlie  gospel.  He  is  a  Methodist.  He  is  an  aft'ection- 
ate  and  laborious  pastor.  He  is  accessible  and  com- 
municative— he  is  no  oiul.  He  is  a  hard  student,  and 
the  peerless  pulpit  orator  of  the  West.  These  arc 
some  of  the  reasons  why  Dr.  Parsons  stands  so 
iirraly,  and  is  so  solid!}-  popular,  among  the  mem- 
bers of  his  own  congregations,  and  with  the  people 
and  preachers  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South. 

I  have  said  that  he  is  accessible  and  communi- 
cative. So  was  Paul.  Hear  him,  ye  self-withdrawn 
domesticators  of  dignity :  "  For  though  I  be  free 
from  all  men,  yet  have  I  made  myself  servant  unto 
all,  that  I  might  gain  the  more.  And  unto  the 
Jews  I  became  as  a  Jew,  that  I  might  gain  the  Jews  ; 
to  them  that  are  under  the  law,  as  under  the  law, 
that  I  might  gain  them  that  are  under  the  law.  To 
them  that  are  without  law,  as  without  law,  (being 
not  without  law  to  God,  but  under  the  law  to  Christ,) 
that  I  might  gain  them  that  are  without  law.  To 
the  weak  became  I  as  weak,  that  I  might  gain  the 
weak :  I  am  made  all  things  to  all  men,  that  I  might 
l)y  all  means  save  some.  And  this  I  do  for  the 
gospel's  sake,  that  I  may  be  partaker  thereof  with 
you."    No  matter  iu  whose  presence  Paul  stood, 


98  PERSONAGES. 

whctlicr  the  keeper  of  a  jail,  a  soldier  on  ^nnrd,  or 
a  governor,  king  or  emperor,  his  uppermost  desire 
was  to  save  that  man's  soul,  lie  could  relax  Ins 
dignity,  and  lahor  for  the  conversion  of  the  weak 
as  well  as  the  mighty :  an  act  of  condescension, 
some  semi-celehrities  whom  I  know  would  at  least 
hcsltaO'  to  perform.  Neither  did  he  go  through  the 
world  like  Sir  Artcgale's  iron  man  Talus,  with  a 
ilaiJ,  crushing  and  trampling  down  all  opposition, 
provoking  wrath,  and  stirring  up  to  the  utmost 
every  malignant  passion,  rasping  and  lacerating 
feeling,  having  no  part  or  lot  in  human  infirmity. 
Because  the  gospel  detects  prejudice,  it  is  a  sad  mis- 
take to  infer  that  it  was  designed  to  excite  and  i>ro- 
voke  prejudice.  AVhen  our  Lord  told  his  disciples 
that  the  eifect  of  his  gospel  would  he  to  send  swords 
ratJier  than  peace  among  the  relationships  of  life, 
he  spoke  of  an  effect  incidental  and  not  designed, 
lie  also  instructed  his  discii»les  to  he  wise  as  ser- 
pents and  harmleiis  as  doves.  That  man  has  not  yet 
learned  the  first  lesson  of  nature  or  grace  who  hopes 
to  save  the  souls  of  any  in  his  family,  neighborhood, 
or  walks  of  usefulness,  without  considering  the  age, 
circumstances,  education,  and  characters  of  those 
whom  he  seeks  to  approacii  and  address.  He  must 
become  ''all  thint's  to  all  men."     If  he  would  save 


REV.    CHARLES   B.    PARSONS,    D.  D.,    LL.D.        99 

a  child,  lie  must  become  a  cliild.  How  absurd  to 
irive  a  ba])e  strong:  meat !  Or  to  feed  Christ's  little 
lambs  iu  racks  so  high  that  nothing  but  a  giraftb 
can  reach  them  !  It  is  an  ingenious  art  of  the  devil 
to  push  a  man  on  in  an  opinionated,  self-willed, 
cast-iron,  imprudent,  and  headstrong  way,  and  then 
misname  this,  Christian  fidelity.  Better  is  it  to  be 
studious  of  occasions  ;  to  speak  a  word  in  season ; 
to  be  fruitful  in  expedients ;  to  be  expert  in  means, 
that  by  all  means  we  may  save  some.  On  the  sub- 
ject of  religion  Paul  was  communicative  to  the  last 
degree,  and  down  to  the  minutest  details.  Bear 
witness  every  one  of  his  Epistles.  Following  at  an 
liumble  distance,  so  is  Dr.  Parsons. 

Dr.  I'arsons  is  a  native  of  one  of  the  New  Eng- 
land States.  Ilis  childhood  and  youth  were  spent 
in  the  State  of  New  York.  His  riper  years  have 
been  passed  mostly  in  Kentucky.  He  selected  the 
dramatic  profession  about  the  age  of  eighteen,  and 
left  it  at  thirty-three.  All  agreed  that  he  was  a 
good  actor — many  thought  him  a  "star."  I  have 
lieard  it  asserted  that  he  was  superior  to  Forrest. 
The  religious  impression  which  led  to  his  conversion 
was  received,  I  have  been  told,  while  listening  to 
a  sermon  from  one  of  the  stated  pastors  in  I'itts- 
burgh.     This  impression  was  renewed  in  the  midst 


100  PERSONAGES. 

of  a  revival  of  religion  in  Louisville,  where  he 
professed  religion  and  joined  the  Metliodist  Church. 
In  a  few  months  he  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ ;  and  shortly  thereafter,  was  admitted 
on  trial  as  a  travelling  preacher  in  the  Kentucky 
Conference  that  was.  Since  then,  he  has  been  labor- 
ing on  circuits,  stations,  and  districts,  within  the 
State  of  Kentucky,  excepting  four  years.  Two  of 
these  were  spent  in  Fourth  Street  Church,  St.  Louis; 
and  two  in  Soule  Chapel,  Cincinnati.  Of  Dr.  Par- 
sons as  a  circuit-preacher  I  know  nothing.  In  a 
station,  he  looks  after  every  interest  of  the  Church, 
and  sustains  and  increases  his  congregation  to  the 
last.  He  is  patient  in  the  pastoral  work,  and  adroit 
in  the  work  of  a  revival.  On  a  district,  his  labori- 
ousness,  his  large  knowledge  of  aftairs,  his  capacity 
for  details,  and — let  it  not  be  omitted — Christian 
politeness,  rendered  him  a  capital  executive  officer. 
Unlike  some  quarterly  meetings  I  have  witnessed — 
beg  pardon,  quarterly  sleepings — Dr.  Parsons'  meet- 
ings were  occasions  of  great  spiritual  interest.  It 
is  also  said  that  he  knew  the  proper  famihj  names 
of  all  the  preachers  in  his  district ;  and  being  blessed 
with  such  a  memory,  did  not  fall  into  that  common 
practice — too  sweet  to  be  wholesome — of  calling 
them  by  their  familiar  Christian  names.    Dr.  Par- 


REV.    CHARLES    B.    PARSONS,    D.  D.,    L  L.  D.      101 

sons  spent,  in  connection  with  liis  ministerial  duties, 
three  or  four  years  in  the  sanctum,  as  associated 
editor  of  one  of  our  Church  papers.  He  did  not 
make  his  impcr  a  ?iei6^5paper.  Dr.  Parsons  has  a 
large  frame,  as  well  as  a  large  fame — a  fortune  as 
well  as  a  family.  "May  his  shadow  never  grow 
less!" 

St.  Louis,  May  20,  1855. 


102  PERSONAGES. 


REV.    JOHN    EMILY,    D.  D., 

THE    VENERAULK    lUt^lIoP. 

One  briglit  niorning  in  July,  li^Crl,  1  liiiuled  in 
Richmond,  Virginia.  After  breakfasting  at  an  Old 
Virginia  ln)tel — luxvc  forgotten  tlie  name — no  mat- 
ter— I  stepped  into  our  Deposi/ory,  to  Bee  our  dis- 
tinguislied  Deposi/</ry.  Several  clerical -looking 
l)ersons  were  in  a  back  counting-room.  One,  a 
])lain,  i>roper,  pious  man,  presiding  elder  of  the 
irulmiond  district.  One,  a  slow,  careless,  awk- 
ward, and  sensible  man,  the  ])opular  author  of 
"Confessions  of  a  Converted  Iniidel."  Another,  a 
neat,  grave,  "wise  and  i)rudent"  D.  ]).,  the  editor 
of  a  ponderous  (Quarterly  Iveview.  Another,  a  tall, 
slender,  long-haired,  intellectual  gentleman,  now 
the  author  of  several  works,  and  one  of  the  [io})ular 
preachers  of  the  Old  Dominion.  Above,  and  at  a 
distance,  sat  a  man  of  immense  mental  resources, 
the  editor  of  a  Church  paper,  but  suspected  by  the 
others  of  being  slightly  heterodox  ou  the  subject  of 


REV.    JOHN    EARLY,    D.D.  103 

"lay  representation."  Lastly,  an  elderly  gentle- 
man, tall  and  gray-li aired,  \Titli  a  large  mouth,  pro- 
minent nose,  piercing  eyes,  and  heavy  eyebrows — 
an  old  Virginian,  "  out  and  out,"  with  a.  chieftain's 
born-to-command  air  about  him — stood  at  a  desk, 
pen  in  hand,  listening  approvingly  to  Rosser  on  the 
lay -representation  question.  This  was  .the  Rev. 
John  Early,  D.  D.,  since  Bishop  of  the  ^lethodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South.  Next  morning,  when  I 
got  to  the  depot,  to  take  the  train  for  Washington 
City,  the  first  man  I  saw  was  Dr.  Early,  with  his 
right  foot  placed  upon  his  trunk,  and  both  hands  in 
liis  pockets — good  as  to  say,  "  Gentlemen,  you  need 
not  make  any  mistakes — this  is  my  baggage — /  am 
here  in  time.''  "SYe  sat  together  that  day,  and  I  need 
not  inform  our  personal  acquaintances  that  a  pro- 
found silence  was  not  kept. 

Bishop  Early  was  present  at  the  great  meeting  in 
]!s"ashville,  Tennessee,  when  the  Bishops,  and  edi- 
tors, and  agents,  and  secretaries,  and  treasurers, 
and  others,  met,  in  April,  1855,  to  inaugurate  our 
affairs.  All  necessary  preparations  for  their  recep- 
tion, and  speeches,  and  sermons,  and  deliberations, 
had  been  made  by  the  citizens,  the  Publishing 
House,  and  the  Church.  Notices  had  been  given. 
A  programme  had  been  printed.     A  few  days  be- 


104  PERSONAGES. 

fore  their  arrival  I  heard  these  assertions  fre- 
quently: "Bishop  Early  will  get  here  first — sure." 
"Bishop  Early  will  be  here  in  time,  if  he  is  alive  and 
able."  The  committee  on  religious  exercises  gave 
liim  the  great  appointment  of  the  occasion — Sab- 
bath forenoon  in  McKendree  Church.  They  knew 
he  would  be  there  to  fill  it.  And  he  was.  The 
service  and  sermon  of  that  morning  were  blessed 
to  a  very  large  audience.  Here,  now,  is  the  key 
that  unlocks  the  secret  of  much  of  his  success  in 
financial  matters,  and  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel — 
Punctuality  —  Keliability.  You  may  always  look 
for  him  at  or  before  tlic  time.  You  may  rely  upon 
the  fulfilment  of  what  he  promises,  to  the  last  de- 
gree. I  have  travelled  with  him.  He  is  in  the 
hotel,  and  has  his  name  registered, /rs<.  He  is  up 
in  the  morning,  and  has  his  bill  paid,  and  ready  to 
start,  first.  He  gets  into  the  most  comfortable  car, 
and  selects  his  scat,  first.  lie  goes  on  board  a 
steamboat,  if  possible,  a  day  beforehand,  selects  a 
state-room,  and  then  attends  to  his  aflairs.  "\Ylien 
he  gets  through  his  business  in  one  place,  and  has 
any  time  to  rest,  he  goes  immediately  on  to  his 
next  place  of  business,  and  spends  his  leisure  time 
there.  Last  fall  the  Bishop  telegraphed  from  Louis- 
ville, to  a  friend  of  his  in  St.  Louis,  that  he  would 


REV.     JOHN     EARLY,     D.D.  105 

breakfast  witli  him  on  a  certain  morning.  His 
friend  supposed  that,  as  he  was  getting  old,  he 
would  take  a  comfortable  boat,  and  might  get  to 
the  city,  or  might  not,  by  the  time  appointed,  and 
thought  not  much  more  about  it.  While  the  family 
were  at  breakfast,  on  the  appointed  morning,  in 
stepped  the  Eishop  !  "  Good  morning.  Bishop  ! 
we  were  not  looking  for  you  much  this  morning." 
"Did  not  I  tell  you  that  I  would  be  here  to  break- 
fast this  morning?"  was  the  instant  reply. 

I  had  supposed,  from  w^hat  had  been  told  me, 
that  Bishop  Soule  finds  more  old  acquaintances 
than  anj'  Methodist  preacher  that  travels  through 
this  land.  But  since  my  visits  to  the  Missouri  and 
St.  Louis  Conferences  last  foil,  in  company  with 
Bishop  Early,  I  am  inclined  to  believe  the  venera- 
ble senior  will  have  to  admit  a  competitor  in  this 
line.  We  go  on  board  the  "Admiral,"  bound  for 
the  Missouri  river.  Several  gentlemen  shake  his 
hand — know  him  well.  He  recollects  their  names. 
We  pass  a  woodyard.  "  Is  not  that  Mr.  Early  on 
board?"  "Yes,  Sir."  "I  have  heard  you  preach 
often  in  Raleigh,"  shouts  a  North  Carolinian,  from 
the  bank.  We  stop  at  a  warehouse.  "Doctor 
Early,  of  Virginia,  I  believe!"  exclaims  an  old 
countryman.  "  Yes,  Sir."  "  Have  heard  you  many 
4 


lOG  PERSONAGES. 

a  time  in  Pctcrsbursf."  AVc  are  standing  ou  the 
guards,  wliilo  our  lioat  is  moving  up  to  a  village. 
"That's  Bishop  Early!  That's  Bishop  Early! 
standing  on  the  guard.  Isn't  it?'  issues  I'rom  a 
crowd  of  spectators  on  lliu  wharf.  "Yes,  Sir!" 
"  AVe  knew  you  well  when  we  were  students  at 
Randoljih  Macon."  Now  we  "round  to"  at  Glas- 
gow. Two  gentlemen,  Mr.  U.  and  Mr.  i'.,  walk  up, 
and  shake  his  liand,  and  insist  on  his  going  ashore, 
and  spending  the  night.  Directly  his  old  friend  S., 
lie  is  informed,  is  looking  for  him.  AVe  land  at  a 
tobacco  establishment.  "Dat  you,  Massa  John?" 
says  an  old  Virginian,  "  of  color,"  while  any  num- 
ber of  white  eyes,  and  ivory,  may  be  seen  around 
him  on  the  l)ank.  "Yes,  UncK'.  How  do  you 
come  on?"  "Ha!  ha  I  Iloani  you  many  a  time 
wiv  dese  two  years,  in  dat  old  Methodist  church  in 
Lynchlnirg."  At  midnight  we  land  at  Lexington, 
and  walk  into  a  hotel.  I  register  the  names.  The 
bar-kei'pcr  looks  at  llicm,  and  begins:  "Mr.  Early, 
of  Lynchburg.  \\  »■  have  been  looking  for  you 
several  days.  The  landlord  of  this  hotel,  and  his 
wife,  are  second-cousins  of  yours."  lie  then  goes 
on  to  tell  him  of  a  score  of  white  folks,  and  a  dozen 
negroes — all  old  acquaintances — who  are  preparing 
to  come  in  on  Sunday,  and  hear  him  preach  onco 


REV.     JOHN    EARLY,     D.D.  107 

more.  Says  they  have  been  coming  to  the  hotel 
for  a  week,  and  inquiring  for  him.  8nggcsts  that 
there  will  be  a  "great  time"  among  them  on  Sun- 
day. Word  being  conveyed  to  the  landlord  of  the 
arrival,  lie  gets  up,  comes  in,  and  claims  kin.  The 
night  passed,  we  sleeping  in  the  parlor ;  and  upon 
going  into  breakfast,  the  landlady  met  the  Bishop 
at  the  dining-room  door,  shook  hands,  and  claimed 
kin.  Breakfast  over,  we  found,  upon  returning 
from  a  morning  walk  through  town,  the  parlor  filled 
with  company,  whose  carriages  and  mule  teams 
were  in  waiting  at  the  door.  While  coming  in  a 
private  carriage  from  Springfield  to  Jeft'erson  City, 
we  entered  a  small  village  after  night.  It  was  de- 
sirable to  get  to  a  private  house,  (for  the  morrow 
was  Sunday,)  but  were  told  that  we  must  go  to  the 
hotel.  This  was  to  be  regretted,  but  the  landlord 
came  out,  exclaiming,  "  How  do  you  do,  Bishop  ? 
I  used  to  know  you  well  in  Virginia.  Walk  in. 
Make  yourself  at  home." 

These  are  a  few,  and  only  a  few,  of  the  evidences 
presented  to  my  mind,  during  two  weeks,  last  fall, 
that  more  persons  have  seen  and  heard  Bishop 
Early  than  any  preacher  in  our  Connection — except- 
ing, perhaps,  Bishop  Soule. 

Bishop  Early  is  a  man  of  remarkable  presence. 


108  PERSONAGES. 

There  are  no  higliways  in  any  country,  no  streets 
in  any  city  in  the  world,  where  men  would  not  stop, 
now  and  then,  and  inquire  who  he  was.  What  has 
been  said  of  Professor  John  Wilson,  crossing  the 
streets  of  any  metropolis,  might  be  said  truthfully 
of  Bishop  John  Early.  He  is  about  six  feet  high — 
will  weigh  about  one  hundred  and  eighty  pounds — 
dresses  in  the  style  of  an  Old  Virginia  gentleman — 
has  a  full  suitof  white  hair,  with  dark  eyebrows — is 
all  of  seventy  years  old,  and  as  perfectl}-  capable  of 
taking  care  of  himself  and  family  as  any  man  in  the 
nation. 

Judsriuir  from  the  "creature  comforts"  that  sur- 
round  him  in  Lynchburg — the  style  in  which  he 
lias  brouglit  up  and  in  wiruli  lie  has  educated  his 
sons  and  daughters — the  positions  of  commanding 
influence  he  has  held  in  the  financial  altairs  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South — the  responsible  oflices  whose  duties  ho  has 
been  solicited  to  assume  in  Washington  City,  I  sup- 
pose liis  talent  lor  managing  money  is  considered 
superior. 

He  is  a  native  of  Virginia,  born  about  the  year 
1785,  of  Baptist  parents.  At  an  early  ago,  perhaps 
in  1807,  he  joined  the  Virginia  Conference,  and  be- 
came an   ilinerant.     From  all  I  can  learn,  he  has 


REV.     JOHN     EARLY,     D.D.  109 

filled  the  office  of  secretary  to  an  Annual  Confer- 
ence oftener,  has  travelled  and  preached  in  the 
capacity  of  presiding  elder  of  a  district  a  greater 
number  of  years,  and  has  sat  in  General  Conference 
as  a  delegate  more  frequently,  than  any  man  now 
living !  At  the  General  Conference  which  met  in 
Petersburg,  Virginia,  in  1846,  he  was  elected  Gen- 
eral Book  Agent ;  and  at  the  General  Conference 
in .  St.  Louis,  in  1850,  ^he  was  reelected.  Several 
General  Conferences  have  given  him  a  respectable 
vote  for  the  episcopal  office,  but  he  was  not  elected 
until  May,  1854.  This  was  done  by  the  General 
Conference  which  assembled  in  Columbus,  Georgia. 

Bishop  Early  is  a  traveller.  He  has  the  experi- 
ence, and  health,  and  determination  to  go  right  on. 
He  can  find  out  more  about  the  routes,  and  lose 
fewer  connections,  than  anj-  man  you  will  meet  in  a 
summer's  day.  The  writer  of  this  sketch  lacks 
several  years  of  being  half  as  old  as  the  subject  of 
it;  but  he  would  dislike  very  much  to  be  compelled 
*'  to  make  time"  with  Bishop  Early  for  more  than 
a  month.  Shortly  after  that,  the  papers,  he  fears, 
would  have  to  chronicle — "Another  man  fallen" — 
not  in  "the  field,"  but  in  the  road. 

Bishop  Early  is  a  revivalist.  Bear  witness  the 
fruits  of  his  morning  prayer-meetings  in  the  Con- 


110  PERSONAGES. 

ference  room,  and  the  glorious  results  of  his  pulpit 
labors,  wherever  tliey  are  bestowed.  The  daily 
morning  jirayer-meetings  at  our  annual  sessions, 
and  the  manner  of  conducting  them,  originated 
witli  him,  and  I  am  glad  to  learn  they  are  becoming 
somewhat  general.  As  they  are  good  in  themselves, 
as  their  results  are  very  good,  and  as  they  origin- 
ated with  a  good  man,  may  they  continue  as  long 
as  there  is  a  sinner  unconvicted,  a  penitent  uncon- 
verted, or  a  preacher  unsanctified.  And  if  any 
of  our  superintendents  in  the  great  future  (we  have 
none  such  now)  should  not  know  how  to  conduct  a 
prayer-meeting,  "and  call  mourners,"  as  Gough 
said  to  the  Oxford  students,  "  they  may  consider 
themselves  dismissed." 

Bishop  Early  is  a  preacher.  lie  has  prepared  his 
sermons  with  considerable  care,  and  preserved  the 
sketches  in  elegantly  bound  manuscript  volumes, 
lie  generally  has  a  volume  of  these  notes  with  him 
in  the  pulpit.  Sometimes  he  lays  it  before  him  on 
the  Bible — sometimes  leaves  it  on  the  i)ulpit  sofa — 
and  sometimes  he  does  not  even  take  it  out  of  his 
pocket.  I  have  listened  to  him  in  Nashville,  in  St. 
Louis,  in  Lexington,  and  in  the  country,  and  I  never 
lieard  him  }troach,  but  once,  when  a  decided  impres- 
sion was   not   made,  and   an  instantaneous  effect 


REV.     JOHN     EARLY,     D.D.  Ill 

produced.  There  is  considerable  uniformity  in  liis 
sermons.  The  first  half  contains  much  instruction 
in  theolos^ical  science,  or  Christian  duty,  the  con- 
clusion nearly  always  to  the  heart.  His  discourses 
are  short,  and  do  not  ignore  the  anecdote. 

Preaching  to  the  negroes  in  Lexington,  Missouri, 
one  very  warm  afternoon,  with  the  house  crammed 
to  the  last  stool,  and  about  six  children  fretting  and 
crj'ing  at  once,  to  the  great  disturbance  of  the  or- 
thodox and  devotional,  said  he  — "  l!^ever  mind, 
friends.  Let  the  children  cry.  It  will  strengthen 
their  lungs.  I  say,  this  is  what  strengthens  their 
lungs.  Then,  their  mothers  cannot  leave  them  at 
home — nobod}'  to  leave  them  with.  And  you  would 
not  have  a  mother  lose  a  sermon  just  to  accommodate 
you.  If  those  mothers  were  to  take  those  children 
out  now,  they  would  lose  the  sermon — lose  the  ser- 
mon, I  say,  to  please  you."  The  Bishop  talked  on 
about  five  minutes.  By  this  time  the  little  weepers 
increased  in  number  rapidly,  and  their  lungs  began 
to  give  evidence  of  great  strength.  He  paused  a 
moment,  then  remarked  very  gravely — "There 
might  be  occasions  when  a  noisy  child  should  be 
taken  out.  Such  occasions  as  the  present,  for  ex- 
ample— funeral  occasions,  sacramental  occasions." 
He  was  preaching  a  funeral  sermon,  which  was  to 


112  PERSONAGES. 

be  followed  by  the  sacrament.  The  mothers  and 
children  adjourned,  without  motion,  and  quiet  was 
restored. 

Bishop  Early  is  a  chairman.  "  What  a  splendid 
judge  was  spoiled  when  he  took  the  pulpit  I"  was 
more  than  once  on  the  lips  of  the  lawyers  of  Spring- 
field, Missouri,  last  fall.  He  knows  what  is  in  the 
Discipline,  having  helped  to  put  it  there.  He  knows 
what  the  General  Conferences  have  said,  and  de- 
cided, without  reference  to  "Proceedings:"  was 
present,  and  helped  them  to  sa}-,  and  decide,  and 
make  up  their  "Proceedings."  The  rules  which 
ordinarily  govern  deliberative  bodies  are  as  familiar 
to  him  as  forty  years'  practice  can  make  them. 
Then  he  has  the  nerve,  the  eye,  the  cheek,  and  the 
voice,  "to  put  business  through." 

Finally,  he  has  given  me  a  very  large  district  to 
travel,  for  which  I  do  not  thank  him  much,  now 
that  I  am  nearly  frostbitten,  and  have  to  start  in  a 
few  hours  on  the  l*acilic  Kuilroad,  to  my  "  Manches- 
ter Quarterly  Meeting;"  and,  reader,  if  this  sketch 
is  not  long  enough,  it  is  because  the  subject  of  it 
has  given  me  work  which  requires  me  to  leave  it 
here. 


THOMAS    FRANCIS    MEAGHER,     ESQ.      113 


THOMAS   FRANCIS   MEAGHER,   ESQ., 

THEIRIS  II    EXILE. 

In  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  on  tlie  soutli-west  corner 
of  Fifth  and  Locust  streets,  stands  the  Mercantile 
Library  Building.  It  is  built  of  brick,  in  the  best 
style  of  architecture.  It  is  three  stories  high.  The 
first  story  is  divided  into  several  rooms,  which  are 
occupied  by  merchants,  and  by  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association.  The  second  story  contains 
the  large  Mercantile  Library  and  a  small  lecture- 
room,  elegantly  fitted  up.  The  Grand  Hall  occupies 
the  third  story.  It  is  the  largest — the  most  beauti- 
fully painted — the  best  lighted — the  best  heated — 
the  most  comfortably  seated — tlie  best  carpeted  and 
ventilated  hall  I  have  seen.  This  hall  was  used  in 
the  fall  and  winter  of  1853  in  rather  an  unfinished 
state.  Orville  Dewey,  N.  L.  Rice,  0.  A.  Brownson, 
Lucy  Stone,  Dr.  Post,  and  Bayard  Taylor,  lectured 
here.  But  it  is  now  finished  and  furnished — the 
grand  centre  of  attraction  for  the  intellectual  of 


114  PERSONAGES. 

"  the  ^found  City."  It  will  contain  an  audience,  or 
somnience,  as  the  case  may  be,  of  about  two  thou- 
pand  person?.  On  the  same  evening  thatKev.  Wil- 
liam Homes  pronounced  the  Dedicatory,  or  rather 
Congratulatory,  Oration  before  the  Mercantile  Lib- 
rary Association,  Thomas  Francis  Meagher  was 
announced  for  the  First  Course  of  Lectures. 

It  is  customary  for  talkers,  orators,  and  writers  to 
call  the  age  in  which  we  live  by  many  different 
names.  The  reason  of  this  is,  men  watch  the  move- 
ments of  the  age  from  different  points  of  view,  and 
"  Mounts  of  Observation."  I  will  call  it  the  age  of 
public  lecturing.  Who  denies  it  ?  In  what  civilized 
and  enlightened  nation  do  they  not  lecture?  What 
large  city  has  not  its  lecture-rooms  and  lecturers? 
What  respectable  institution  of  learning  does  not 
have  its  courses  of  lectures?  What  Christian  As- 
sociation docs  not  provide  for  useful  lectures  ?  Men 
lecture  on  almost  every  thing.  They  lecture  on 
language,  on  science,  on  art.  They  lecture  on  ma- 
thematics, metaf)hy9ic8,  music.  They  lecture  on 
philosophy,  poetry,  and  fashion.  They  lecture  on 
history,  on  oratory,  and  on  wit.  Theologians 
lecture.  Moralists  lecture.  Physicians  lecture. 
Quacks  lecture.  Lawyers  lecture.  Politicians  lec- 
ture.    Editors  lecture.     Authors  lecture.    The  gen- 


THOMAS     FRANCIS    MEAGHER,     ESQ.      115 

tier  sex  do  also  lecture — the  Lucy  Stones,  on  Wo- 
man's Rights — the  Charlotte  Elizaheths,  on  "Wo- 
man's Wrongs  —  the  Mrs.  Britts,  on  Spiritual 
Philosophy — and  the  "Mrs.  Caudles,"  from  behind 
the  "  Curtains."  I  have  many  things  to  say  in  favor 
of  popular  lecturing,  and  some  things  to  say  against 
it ;  hut  will  not  say  them  here  or  now ;  inasmuch 
as  a  writer  whom  everybody  reads  has  exhausted 
the  subject,  in  a  paper  on  his  "  admirable  friend, 
Professor  Nichol."  Thomas  Francis  Meagher  came 
to  St.  Louis,  delivered  a  Course  of  Lectures,  "  and 
went  his  way." 

Who  's  Meagher  ?  "  Everybody  knows,  or  might 
know,  or  should  know  Curran."  So  thinks  Mea- 
gher. Everybody  knows,  or  might  know,  or  ought 
to  know  Meagher.  So  write  I.  In  the  exordium 
of  his  introductory  lecture,  Mr.  Meagher  stated 
that  he  wished  to  derive  no  interest  whatever  from 
his  antecedents — from  his  being  a  foreigner,  a  stran- 
ger and  an  exile :  he  wished  to  be  received  and 
lieard  simply  as  a  public  lecturer.  It  may  not, 
therefore,  be  proper  in  me  to  notice  him  in  any  at- 
titude other  than  that  of  a  popular  lecturer. 

If  any  single  word  can  convey  to  the  mind  of  the 
reader  a  correct  idea  of  the  lecturing  of  Thomas 
Francis  Meagher,  it  is  the  word  gaslo.     Ue  walks 


116  PERSONAGES. 

out  on  the  platform  quickly,  and  presents  himself 
before  his  audience  bravely.  If  the  table  is  not  in 
its  proper  place,  no  servant  or  friend  is  asked  to  re- 
move it ;  he  picks  it  up  and  sets  it  down  where  he 
wants  it.  If  a  pitcher  of  water  is  near,  he  drinks 
heartily,  and  then  places  it  where  it  suits  him.  K 
grave  editors  or  rickety  reporters  are  in  attendance, 
armed  with  "cedar"  pencils,  blank-books,  and  small 
tables,  it  is  all  the  same  to  him.  If  the  sprigs  of 
criticism  are  present,  who  deem  that  "  as  for  that 
ere  Shakspeare,  he  has  been  vastly  overrated,"  he 
does  not  recognize  them  at  all.  lie  who  in  1848, 
when  he  was  tried  for  treason,  and  condemned  to 
be  "hanged,  drawn,  and  quartered,"  could  deliver 
a  masterly,  an  eloquent,  and  an  overwhelming  ad- 
dress to  the  court,  does  not  fear  the  face  of  man. 
The  moment  he  fixes  his  left  hand  upon  the  table, 
and  his  eyes  upon  the  assembly,  (not  on  a  manu- 
script,) and  pronounces  his  iirst  three  words, 
"Ladies  and  (Jentlemen,"  you  feel  like  saying: 
"Keep  cool,  perfectly  cool!  The  exiled  patriot 
asks  for  no  sympathy !"  I  question  if  Caractacus 
before  the  lioman  Emperor  presented  a  much  nobler 
appearance  than  Thomas  Francis  Meagher  before 
an  American  auditory.  Indeed,  the  picture  of  the 
brave  old  Briton,  found  in  one  of  Russell's  Ilistories, 


THOMAS     FRANCIS     MEAGHER,     ESQ.      117 

will  give  one  a  fine  idea  of  Meagher,  when  he 
straightens  himself,  and  looks  out  on  a  sea  of  anx- 
ious faces. 

For  a  knowledge  of  the  personal  appearance  of 
Mr.  Meagher,  I  refer  the  reacler  to  the  numerous 
pictures  of  him  which  may  be  seen  in  the  numerous 
show-windows  of  our  city  book-stores.  Suffice  it 
to  say,  that  he  has  neither  horns  nor  cloven  feet ; 
but  is  an  Irishman — an  accomplished,  earnest,  pa- 
triotic, great-souled  Irishman.  He  is  an  educated 
gentleman — the  son  of  an  educated  gentleman — the 
grandson  of  an  educated  gentleman ;  both  his  father 
and  grandfather  having  "  sat  in  Parliament." 

"Action!  action!  action!"  I  have  heard  of  the 
ease,  the  grace,  the  appropriateness,  and  the  won- 
ders thereof.  I  have  heard  of  tlie  action  of  Garrick, 
of  Macready,  of  Maffit,  of  Parsons;  but  of  none  so 
perfect  as  Meagher's,  saving  and  excepting  that  of 
the  great  enemy  of  Philip.     He  gestures  with  his 

n. 

head,  with  his  forehead,  with  his  eyes,  with  his 
nose,  with  his  mouth,  with  his  neck,  with  his  shoul- 
ders, Avith  his  arms,  hands,  and  fingers,  with  his 
legs  and  feet;  in  fact,  when  speaking  of  Sheridan, 
lie  gestured  with  his  hips!  I  would  give,  this  mo- 
ment, more  than  the  price  of  a  ticket,  to  see  him 
stand  ou  the  extreme  edge  of  the  platform,  with 


118  PERSONAGES. 

his  body  as  quietly  equipoised  aa  his  mind,  aud 
"his  keen  demonstrative  lins^er,"  as  well  as  his 
piercing  o^-e,  "fixed  on  vacano}*,"  and  hear  him  re- 
peat his  hriHiant  description  of  Richard  Brinsley 
Sheridan.  I  would,  this  night,  walk  to  the  most 
distant  lecture-room  in  this  city,  to  hear  him  tell, 
with  inimitahle  sai)f/  froid,  an  Irish  joke,  at  the  ex- 
pense of  Harry  Grattan.  'When  he  yawns  out,  with 
suitable  position  of  body,  a  lazy  paragraph,  abusive 
of  "old  gouty  Dr.  Johnson,"  farewell  vest-buttons! 
When,  from  the  highest  heavens  of  oratory,  he 
pours  out  a  flood  of  invective  upon  "  religious  des- 
potism," you  feel  your  blood  warming  from  the 
scalp  to  the  ankle.  In  a  word,  he  is  the  very  es- 
sence of  an  Irish  orator. 

All  Irish  friend  noar  by  tells  mo  that,  to  Irish 
ears,  the  pronunciation  of  Mr.  Meagher  has  some- 
thinjr  of  Dublin  affectation  in  it.  Of  this  "affecta- 
tion"  I  know  nothing.  Styk'  ho  seems  to  be  a 
master  of.  lie  narratos  well,  J le  argues  well.  He 
describes  well.  Ho  deelaims  well,  lie  moralizes 
well,  and  he  applies  well,  lie  is  good  in  the  anec- 
dotical,  the  poetical,  the  humorous.  I  know  of  no 
style,  suitable  to  the  popular  lecturer,  that  he  does 
not  command.  The  newspaper  critics  say,  that 
occasionally  ho  is  too  studied — too  highly  finished 


THOMAS    FRANCIS    MEAGHER,     ESQ.      119 

for  a  popular  lecturer.  There  is  a  grain  or  two  of 
truth  in  this  statement.  An  audience,  listening  to 
a  splendid  production,  does  not  want  to  think  of 
the  dire  labor  and  weary  woe  that  produced  it.  It 
is  rather  too  evident  that  Mr.  Meagher  writes  out, 
in  exienso.  his  lectures,  then  commits  to  memory, 
and — perhaps — practices  them  before  the  glass. 

Mr.  Meagher  is  a  many-sided  man.  He  is  not 
only  an  educated  man,  but  a  man  of  vast  reading 
and  information.  He  is  not  only  a  lawyer  by  pro- 
fession, but  is  skilled  in  the  political  tactics  of  Ire- 
land, England,  and  continental  Europe.  Moreover, 
he  is  a  travelled  gentleman.  At  least,  he  has  taken 
two  considerable  trips  ;  one  from  Ireland  to  Botany 
Bay,  the  other  from  Botany  Bay  to  the  United 
States  !  "  Last,  but  not  least,"  he  has  been  guilty 
of  occupying  the  chair  editorial. 

Thomas  Francis  Meagher  delivered  four  lectures 
before  the  Mercantile  Library  Association  of  St. 
Louis,  to  large  and  intelligent  audiences.  Protest- 
ant preachers  and  Catholic  priests,  editors  of  news- 
papers and  authors  of  books,  medical  lecturers  and 
hard-wrought  doctors,  jurists  profound  and  pleaders 
eloquent,  lynx-eyed  politicians  and  lazy  school- 
masters, writers  of  prose  and  writers  of  poetry, 
simpering  belles  and  brainless  fops,  solid  men  and 


120  PERSONAGES. 

fair  women,  of  every  description,  were  present, 
pleased,  and  deliglitod.  ^Mr.  Meagher's  first  was  an 
Introductory  Lecture,  in  the  delivery  of  which,  it 
was  difficult  to  tell  whether  he  admired  and  loved 
the  more  the  home  of  his  youth,  or  the  land  of  his 
adoption — Ireland  or  America.  Ilis  second  was  a 
liighly  interesting  and  amusing  lecture  on  the  Irish 
orator,  Curran,  in  which  he  repeated  mauy  of  that 
great  man's  witticisms.  lie  did  not  inform  us,  how- 
ever, whether  they  were  impromptu,  or  whether 
Curran  wrote  them  out  on  slips  of  paper,  laid  them 
away  carefully  in  his  drawer,  and  repeated  them 
now  and  then,  at  different  places,  and  in  different 
companies,  through  life.  His  third  lecturc  was  on 
Daniel  O'Conncll,  and  Avas  pronounced,  l)y  a  Calho- 
lic  editor  of  course,  '■''the  lecture  of  the  course."  I 
did  not  hear  this  lecture.  I  presume  that  Meagher, 
the  "physical-force-reform-man,"  said  nothing  ex- 
tremely good  of  O'Connell,  the  "  moral-forcc-reform- 
man."  His  fourth  and  last  lecture  was  devoted  to 
the  Irish  orator,  Harry  Grattan.  During  the  last 
fifteen  minutes  of  this  lecture,  Mr.  Mcaglier  out- 
shone himself,  in  his  most  eloquent  denunciation  of 
religious  bigotr}'  and  intolerance — "  the  cause  of  in- 
fidelity, and  the  curse  of  Ireland." 

Mr.  Meagher  is  about  thirty  years  of  age.     He 


THOMAS    FRANCIS    MEAGHER,     ESQ.      121 

and  Smith  O'Brien  and  John  Mitchell  agitated  Ire- 
land for  several  years.  O'Brien  was  the  most  influ- 
ential, Mitchell  the  most  hloodthirsty,  and  Meagher 
the  most  eloquent.  In  1848  they  were  arrested, 
tried,  and  condemned  to  be  "  hanged,  drawn,  and 
quartered."  After  this  sentence  was  pronounced, 
^Meagher  addressed  the  judge  in  a  characteristic 
speech.  It  is  said  that  he  concluded  in  such  lan- 
guage as  this :  "I  am  now  going  to  a  tribunal  where 
many  of  the  sentences  of  that  bench  shall  be  for 
ever  reversed."  I  do  not  know  what  effect  this 
speech  may  have  had.  Through  the  extreme  clem- 
ency of  Her  Majesty,  they  were  not  hanged,  but 
were  transported  to  Australia.  O'Brien  has  since 
been  pardoned;  John  Mitchell  is  in  this  country 
editing  a  newspaper;  Thomas  Francis  Meagher  is 
on  his  way  to  San  Francisco  to  settle  there.  The 
Lion  of  England  still  has  his  paw  upon  priest-ridden 
and  down-trodden  Ireland. 

St.  Louis,  November  20,  1854. 


122  PEllSONAGES. 


HENRY   GILES, 


TUE    LECTURf:R, 


In  bis  "  Pictures  from  Italy,"  Charles  Dickens 
says :  "  It  was  no  more  my  Rome,  the  Rome  oi  any- 
body's fancy,  man  or  boy — degraded  and  fallen,  and 
lying  asleep  in  the  sun  among  a  heap  of  ruins — than 
the  Place  de  la  Concorde  in  Paris  is."  On  first 
seeing  Giles,  I  suiiered  a  disappointment  that,  at 
least,  reminded  me  of  Dickens's  disappointment  on 
first  driving  info  Rome.  He  is  no  more  m}'  Giles, 
the  Giles  of  anybody's  fancy  who  has  read  his  cap- 
tivating volumes,  than  the  little  man  in  jeans  who 
used  to  desire  the  oflice  of  doorkeeper  in  the  Ten- 
nessee House  of  Representatives  is.  I  always  figured 
him  about  six  feet  high,  weighing  one  hundred  and 
forty  pounds — with  light  hair,  long  and  iiowing, 
such  as  the  poets  write  about,  with  blue  eyes,  lengthy 
face,  and  beautiful,  clear,  expansive  forehead. 
Moreover,  I  figured  him  with  clerical  garments  on, 
and  speaking  with  a  voice  of  bewitching  and  irre- 


HENRY    GILES.  123 

sistiblc  intonations.  A  mild,  contemplative,  Chris- 
tian scholar  and  orator  I  expected  to  see.  His  lec- 
tures, too,  I  supposed  would  be  heard  by  almost 
every  person  in  the  city  of  pure  literary  sympathies, 
tastes,  and  talents. 

Our  preachers  frequently  tell  us  that  "  this  is  a 
world  of  disappointment;"  and  our  preachers  tell 
the  truth.  Rev.  Henry  Giles,  the  public  speaker 
with  a  national  reputation  and  more,  the  author  of 
four  or  five  splendid  volumes,  looks  not  magnifi- 
cent. Much  such  a  personage,  no  doubt,  sat  for 
the  picture  of  the  "Little  Man  in  Black."  As  the 
reader  Avill  most  probably  never  see  a  picture  of 
him,  I  have  a  mind  to  describe,  in  few  words,  his 
personal  appearance.  Mr.  Giles,  to  be  plain,  is  a 
dwarfs  with  small  chubby  feet,  crooked  "lower 
limbs,"  and  a  hunchback.  His  arms  are  small,  and 
his  hands  seem  to  be  of  no  use  to  him  when  speak- 
ing, except  that  he  wipes  his  forehead  with  his  right 
hand,  and  turns  the  leaves  of  his  manuscript  with 
the  left.  His  head  is  an  indifterent,  ecrubby-look- 
ing  head,  covered  with  uncultivated,  black  liair. 
Of  course,  he  appears  to  be  a  little  awkward.  His 
voice,  in  the  first  of  his  lecture,  is  somewhat  husky; 
but  afterwards  loud,  clear,  ringing.  Sometimes, 
when  he  reads  a  paragraph  that  has  cost  him  great 


124  PERSONAGES. 

labor,  or  describes  a  lovely  and  interesting  scene — 
one  perhaps  that  he  has  looked  upon — it  is  tremu- 
lous and  most  touching.  I  should  think  Mr.  Giles 
numbers  forty  years,  and  measures  live  feet.  This 
description,  reader,  is  candid  if  not  kind. 

"  What  is  the  great  secret  of  Dr.  Stockton's  popu- 
larity as  a  preacher?"  This  is  the  question  that  a 
0  distinguished  divine  once  put  to  a  plain  clerical 
brother.  It  was  answered  in  the  following  style : 
"  Dr.  Stockton,  you  say  ?  "Well,  first,  he  is  a  ghost, 
and  ghosts,  you  know,  awe  us  into  great  reverence; 
secondly,  his  voice  is  sepulchral,  and  any  thing 
from  the  grave  produces  wonder  and  amazement ; 
thirdly,  his  style  is  very  eloquent."  Mr.  Giles  is  a 
decided  favorite  with  lecture-going  people.  What 
is  the  secret  of  his  great  popularity  ?  First,  he  is  a 
poor,  little,  deformed  man,  and  excites  your  sym- 
pathy at  once;  secondly,  that  purged,  severe,  self- 
withdrawn,  philosophic  look  of  his  commands  your 
respect ;  thirdly,  he  has  written  lectures,  delivered 
lectures,  and  published  lectures,  until  his  name  is 
associated  with  scarcely  any  thing  but  public  lectur- 
ing: he  is  known  and  discussed  as  "  Giles  the  lec- 
turer;" fourthly,  a  man  of  his  scholarship,  and 
style,  and  eloquence,  and  genius,  would  be  a  man  of 
mark  in  any  country.     His  being  a  foreigner  and  a 


HENRY    GILES.  125 


Unitarian  clergyman  are  disadvantages,  except 
among  ^^  snobs."  Mr.  Giles  occasionally  treats  his 
auditors  with  as  much  familiarity  as  if  they  were 
his  first-cousins.  In  the  delivery  of  his  first  lecture, 
on  "Exaggeration  in  Popular  Oratory,"  about  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  before  its  close,  he  paused,  took 
out  his  watch,  looked  around  at  the  gentlemen  on 
the  platform,  and  remarked  :  "  Gentlemen,  I  wish 
these  lectures  were  to  be  more  than  an  hour  long;" 
then,  turning  several  leaves  of  his  manuscript  re- 
luctantly, he  remarked  to  the  audience  very  care- 
lessly, ''That  was  a  paragraph  or  two  on  the  exag- 
gerated eulogy  bestowed  upon  what  are  called 
self-made  men ;  but  we  w^ill  turn  on  to  something 
more  important."  And  on  he  would  go,  despite 
the  clamorous  feet  of  the  assembly,  calling  long  and 
loud  for  the  paragraph  on  "self-made  men."  As 
sensible  a  man  as  Mr.  Giles  is,  I  have  no  doubt, 
thinks  that  all  men  who  are  made  at  all  are  self- 
made  men  ;  that  Daniel  Webster,  with  a  collegian's 
opportunities,  is  as  much  a  self-made  man  as  Elihu 
Burritt,  with  a  blacksmith's  advantages ;  that  books 
and  teachers  do  not  and  cannot  make  learned  and 
great  men  ;  they  must  make  themselves. 

Mr.   Giles's  second  lecture  was  on  "  The  World- 
ling."    Here  he  took  the  middle  ground;  neither 


12C  PERSONAGES. 

glorifying  extreme  poverty,  as  a  Catliolic  priest 
would  have  done,  nor  recommending  the  accumula- 
tion of  immense  wealth,  as  the  great  and  inisaiy 
Dr.  Franklin  did.  But,  that  you  may  have  some 
idea  of  the  solidiiy  of  his  "middle  ground,"  I  will 
repeat  a  part  of  liis  lecture  which  "  fairly  hrought 
down  the  house."  "Ladies  and  gentlemen,  if  a 
man  were  to  bequeath  me  a  million,  upon  the  con- 
dition that  I  should  manage  it  myself,  I  do  not  think 
I  would  accept  it — my  habits  are  not  very  familiar 
with  tlie  use  of  such  sums ;  but  if  he  were  to  pro- 
pose to  bequeath  me  a  quarter  of  a  million,  upon 
the  same  condition,  I  should  say,  '  Write  it  down.' 
I  think  I  could  manage  a  quarter  of  a  million  T' 

Mr.  Giles's  third  lecture  was  on  "Temper."  It 
was  a  most  agreeable,  yet  strange  compound  of  wit, 
pathos,  biography,  poetry,  sarcasm,  and  eloquence, 
tlic  whole  i)ervaded  I)}'  the  highest  philosophy.  If 
those  elderly  ladies  who  are  "  walking  excommuni- 
cations"— if  Pharisees,  who  exhibit  such  a  "  fero- 
cious sanctity" — if  politicians,  who  have  returned 
home  after  so  many  days  of  "hard  sraijing" — and 
if  those  preachers  who  are  patent  "  millennium- 
makers,"  did  not  get  a  suitable  and  severe  rebuke, 
while  listening  to  this  lecture,  it  is  because  there  is 
not  power  in  thought  or  language  to  make  them  feel. 


HENRY     GILES.  127 

The  fourth  lecture  of  the  course  was  on  "  The 
Personality  of  Shakspeare;"  and  though  there  are 
two  more  lectures  to  come,  before  the  completion 
of  the  series,  I  am  pretty  confident  that  this  is  Mr. 
Giles's  master-effort.  Gilfillan  says:  "Everyman 
lias  a  dark  period  in  his  career,  Avhcther  it  is  pub- 
licly known  or  concealed ;  whether  the  man  outlive 
or  sink  before  it."  I  do  not  believe  this  is  true  of 
"every  man^;"  I  do  not  believe  it  is  true  of  the 
meek  and  blameless  patriarch  Isaac — neither  does 
Gilfillan  ;  (see  Bards  of  the  Bible ;)  but  I  do  believe 
that  William  Shakspeare  had  many  "  hours  and 
powers  of  darkness  ;"  and  that  sheer  justice  should 
have  forbidden  the  Bevcrmd  Mr.  Giles  from  speak- 
ing so  beautifully  and  charitably  of  the  poet's  great 
sins.  Among  many  other  statements,  Mr.  Giles 
made  in  substance  the  following:  "All  that  the 
curious — all  that  his  admirers — all  that  historians 
and  biographers  the  most  learned — all  that  societies 
formed  for  the  express  purpose  can  find  out  and 
authenticate  of  the  personal  history  of  Shakspeare, 
might  be  written  on  the  back  of  a  visiting-card  !" 
Kather  difiicult  to  believe.  AVithout  arising  from 
my  table,  or  looking  into  a  single  book,  I  have  found 
out  nearly  that  much  myself:  William  Shakspeare 
was  born — was  baptized — was  educated  in  a  free 


128  PERSONAGES. 

grammar-school — was  a  student — was  fond  of  fun — 
was  a  thief — was  irregularly  married  to  a  woman 
much  older  than  himself — had  his  first  child  bap- 
tized about  six  months  afterwards — became  the 
father  of  twins  after  that — became  the  father  of 
children  no  more — went  to  London  in  early  life — 
went  on  the  stage  as  an  actor — wrote  most  of  his 
life  for  the  stage — cared  more  for  the  money  which 
his  plan's  brought  than  for  their  immortality — made 
a  handsome  fortune — lived  in  London  himself,  while 
his  neglected  family  lived  at  Stratford — had  no  re- 
ligious creed — finally  retired — made  a  will,  and 
such  a  will ! — and  died — and  was  buried.  His  sep- 
ulchre is  with  the  English  unto  this  day.  They 
esteem  him  greatest  of  poets  and  of  men. 

St.  Louis,  December  5,  1854. 


JOHN     MITCHELL.  129 


JOHN    AI  ITCH  ELL, 

THE    REVOLUTIONIST. 

We  who  are  in  the  habit  of  "running  to  lec- 
tures" have  been  complaining  of  the  dulness  of  the 
season.  This  is  the  last  week  of  November,  and 
not  a  lecturer  has  appeared,  save  one,  during  the 
autumn.  Why  is  this  ?  Is  St.  Louis  too  near  the 
far  West  ?  Are  not  our  halls  ample  enough  ?  Are 
not  our  audiences  sufficiently  large  and  brilliant  ? 
Do  not  our  "  associations,"  their  employers,  give 
them  money  enough?  Perhaps  you,  the  Editors, 
do  not  herald  them  and  "puff"  them  as  you  might. 
Or  is  the  lecture  going  out  of  fashion,  and  the 
essay,  or  the  treatise,  coming  in  ?  I  ask  these  ques- 
tions— I  do  not  answer  them ;  I  am  too  busy  sketch- 
ing the  last  lecturer,  and  watching  the  papers  and 
posters  for  the  arrival  of  the  next. 

John  Mitchell's  lecture  for  last  Saturday  night 
had  been  announced,  placarded,  and  talked  of,  for 
several  days.     My  dull  friend,  who  has  such  a  pas- 


180  PERSONAGES. 

sion  for  lectures,  and  who  dreamed,  not  long  since, 
that  he  was  in  Boston,  making  a  small  experiment 
in  lecturing  liimsclf,  tliouglit  of  the  occasion  about 
once  an  hour !  The  lecturer  was  to  appear  at  half 
after  seven.  I  "dropped  in"  at  seven  precisely, 
and  found  about  five  hundred  persons,  wlio  deemed 
they  also  had  half  an  hour  to  lose,  for  the  sake  of 
getting  a  comfortable  seat.  A  larger  number  of 
Irish  ??im,  and  distinguished  men,  I  venture,  never 
met  before  in  our  Library  Hall,  to  hear  a  lecturer. 
Among  distinguished  men  were  Trusten  Polk,  Gov- 
ernor of  Missouri ;  Dr.  Charles  A.  Pope,  Dean  of 
the  Medical  College  ;  Judge  Hamilton,  of  the  Cir- 
cuit Court;  Rev.  Dr.  Post,  author  of  "The  Skep- 
tical Era,"  and  others. 

At  first  I  found  a  scat  among  some  respectable 
representatives  of  "Young  Ireland."  They  were 
engaged  in  a  brisk  conversation.  One  said,  "  Well, 
I  came  out  to-night  just  to  see  John.  I  want  to  see 
if  he  looks  like  he  used  to  in  the  old  country.  Glo- 
rious fellow!  Expect  he  begins  to  show  age." 
Another  said,  "I  never  saw  him  ;  but  I  just  wanted 
to  have  the  pleasure  of  telling  my  children  that  I 
had  seen  John  Mitchell ;  that  is  what  brought  me 
here."  Another  fellow,  rather  envious,  I  suspect, 
unwilling    that    one    individual   Irishman    should 


JOHN     MITCHELL.  131 

appropriate  so  much  of  the  world's  esteem,  re- 
marked coolly,  "  He  is  not  an  educated  man  at  all. 
lie  never  made  much  noise  at  home.  I  was  raised 
in  the  same  town  with  him,  and  I  never  heard  of 
him  !"  Here  I  left  them,  "fighting  all  their  battles 
o'er  again,"  and  discussing  the  merits  and  demerits 
of  the  "coming  man,"  and  obtained  a  seat  some- 
where else. 

Now  a  thousand  feet  began  to  call  long  and  loud, 
and  repeatedly,  for  John  Mitchell,  the  patriot,  the 
revolutionist,  the  exile,  the  republican.  He  came, 
escorted  b}^  "  Young  America."  He  rose  to  speak 
amid  deafening  applause,  and  spoke  until  nine 
o'clock.  "How  did  he  speak?"  He  talked 
smoothly,  wittily,  learnedly,  passionately,  elo- 
quently. He  talked  exactly  like  a  man  who  had 
been  on  the  hustings  man}-  a  time.  He  neither 
read  nor  declaimed  ;  he  talked^  and  showed  his  good 
sense  by  so  doing.  His  subject  was  the  "  Peace  of 
Europe,"  and  he  showed  us,  well  and  truly,  how 
they  cry,  "  Peace  !  peace  !  when  there  is  no  peace." 

"How  does  he  look?"  He  is  a  little  man,  in 
plain  black,  with  a  profusion  of  hair  and  beard, 
a  face  which  seems  to  say,  I  have  studied  and 
struggled,  and  resolved,  in  solitude ;  I  have  sighed 
and  wept,  and   sighed  and  wept  again,  in  lonely 


132  PERSONAGES. 

prisons.  He  closed  his  speech,  and  left  us,  with 
this  single  allusion  to  himself:  "  I  am  not  a  Repub- 
lican because  I  was  banished  from  ray  country,  but 
I  was  banished  from  my  country  because  I  was  a 
Republican." 

John  Mitchell  is  an  Irish  patriot.  He  was  born 
in  Dungiven,  in  the  North  of  Ireland,  in  the  year 
1816.  His  father  was  a  Unitarian  clergyman.  He 
received  the  rudiments  of  an  excellent  education 
at  !N"ewry,  and  was  afterwards  sent  to  Dublin,  where 
he  graduated  as  Bachelor  of  Arts,  at  Trinity  Col- 
lege, and  carried  off  several  honors.  It  is  said : 
"  His  learning  is  not  only  varied,  but  profound  on 
many  subjects ;  and  his  knowledge  of  the  classics 
and  ancient  law  is  only  equalled  by  his  mastery  of 
the  modern  systems  of  government."  Mitchell  was 
intended  and  educated  for  the  Church ;  but  his 
mind  underwent  a  change,  and  he  studied  law  with 
Mr.  Quinn,  of  l^ewry.  His  professional  career  was 
commenced  as  a  partner  of  a  lawyer  in  Banbridge. 
During  his  apprenticeship,  and  when  he  was  only 
twenty  years  of  age,  he  and  Miss  Yerner  eloped 
and  wore  married.  To  draw  a  picture  of  the  love 
and  fortitude  of  his  accomplished  wife  will  be  the 
most  delightful  task  of  IMitchell's  biographer. 

John  Mitchell  is  a  revolutionist.     His  "Life  of 


JOHN     MITCHELL.  133 

Hugh  O'Neil,"  the  great  Ulster  Chief  and  Statesman 
of  the  seventeenth  century,  a  hook  of  remarkable 
power,  published  in  1845,  shows  that  he  had  long 
been  cultivating  revolutionary  sentiments.  This 
work  fixed  his  position,  not  on!}'  as  a  writer,  but  as 
a  "Nationalist."  In  1846  Mitchell  was  the  chief 
writer  and  thinker  of  a  paper  called  the  Nation. 
During  this  year  he  wrote  an  exceptionable  article 
on  railroads.  For  this  article  the  paper  was  prose- 
cuted. The  "  secession"  from  the  O'Connell  party 
went  oft*  during  this  year  also.  He  was  one  of  the 
"Secessionists."  O'Connell  desired  to  repeal  the 
legislative  Union  between  England  and  Ireland — 
nothing  more ;  Mitchell  wanted  for  his  country  a 
distinct  nationality — a  separate  State. 

In  the  year  1848  Mitchell  ceased  to  write  for  the 
Nation,  and  started  another  paper,  called  The  United 
Irishman.  It  expressed  the  European  mind  of  1848 
more  fully  and  powerfully  than  any  paper  in  Eu- 
rope. Of  this  paper  and  its  editor,  said  a  New 
York  journal :  "  Since  the  days  of  Dr.  Drennan 
liad  not  been  read  in  Ireland  such  noble  exhorta- 
tions as  this  famous  journal  put  forth.  They  had 
all  the  vigor  of  Swift  and  the  point  of  Berkeley. 
But  there  was  running  through  them,  and  flashing 
from  them,  an  enthusiasm  like  that  which  sum-. 


134  rERSONAGES. 

moncJ  the  j'oung  students  of  Germany  to  arms  in 
the  Xapoleonic  war;  and  which  again,  in  the  up- 
heaving of  the  nations,  in  1848,  called  forth,  in 
surging  crowds,  the  students  of  the  European 
schools  and  universities,  from  Rome  to  Berlin,  and 
from  Pesth  to  Paris.  It  was  a  divine  literature. 
It  was  resonant  with  the  sublime,  intonations  of 
antiquity.  It  absorbed,  and  poured  out  again,  the 
songs  of  the  Rhine  and  Alps,  but  was  touchingly 
modulated  with  the  sorrows  of  the  Irish  race,  and, 
in  <|uick  vibrations,  elicited  the  mirth,  the  scorn, 
the  hope,  the  vengeance,  of  the  Celtic  spirit.  It 
was  the  omnipotent  voice  of  freedom,  Avhich  speaks 
in  every  tone  and  dialect,  and  from  crowded  cities, 
as  from  the  dreariest  solitudes,  evokes  the  respon- 
sive chorus. 

"Whether  we  speak  of  sea  or  fire,  in  the  ex- 
haust! ess  nature  of  each  we  find  a  type  of  that 
spirit  which  in  Ireland  the  foreign  foe  lias  for  cen- 
turies sought  to  master,  but  has  never  tamed,  and 
never  can  anniliiiatc.  If  it  be  like  the  fire,  and  if 
it  sometimes  smoulders,  a  bold  hand,  flinging  fresh 
fuel,  can  light  it  up  anew.  If  it  be  like  the  sea, 
and  if  it  sometimes  sleeps,  a  passing  wind  will  wake 
it  into  anger.  This  has  been  the  history  of  Ire- 
laud,  this  the  explanation  of  her  mysteries,  relapses, 


JOHN     MITCHELL.  135 

and  commotions.  This  gives  ns  an  insight  into  the 
perplexing  fnture. 

"  Mitchell's  writings  did  not  create,  hut  evoked, 
the  insurrectionary  spirit  of  the  country.  The 
spirit  had  hcen  there,  and  there  for  ever  it  will 
al)ide.  But  it  was  smouldering,  and  he  cast  it  up 
in  flames  once  more.  It  wns  stagnant,  and  he 
stirred  it  from  its  depths,  and  lashed  it  into  a 
storm." 

John  Mitchell  is  an  exile.  Toward  the  latter 
part  of  the  year  1847,  or  in  the  heginning  of  1848, 
Sir  George  Gray,  M.  P.,  introduced  the  "  Treason 
Felon}^  Bill,"  or  "Gagging  Act,"  as  it  was  com- 
monly called,  into  the  British  Parliament.  The 
ohject  of  this  bill  was  to  stop  the  career  of  Mitchell. 
His  paper.  The  United  Irishman,  was  brought,  forth- 
with, under  the  power  of  the  "Gagging  Act,"  and 
the  editor  was  captured  on  May  13,  1848,  and  com- 
mitted to  Newgate,  on  the  charge  of  "Felon}-, 
under  the  provisions  of  the  new  act."  His  trial 
came  oft'  on  the  26th,  and  on  the  same  day  a  ver- 
dict of  "  guilty"  was  returned.  ISText  morning  he 
was  sentenced  to  fourteen  years'  banishment.  Im- 
mediately after  the  sentence  had  been  pronounced, 
Mitchell  arose,  and  spoke  with  a  voice  which  indi- 
cated very  clearly  that  a  brave  man  stood  behind  it: 


136  PERSONAGES. 

]SIr.  Mitchell, — The  law  has  done  its  part,  and 
the  Queen  of  England,  her  crown,  and  government 
in  Ireland,  are  now  secure,  pursuant  to  act  of  Par- 
liament. I  have  done  my  part  also.  Three  months 
ago  I  promised  Lord  Clarendon,  and  his  govern- 
ment in  this  country,  that  I  would  provoke  him  into 
his  courts  of  justice,  as  places  of  this  kind  are 
called,  and  that  I  would  force  him,  publicly  and 
notoriously,  to  pack  a  jury  against  me,  to  convict 
nie,  or  else  that  I  would  walk  a  free  man  out  of 
this  court,  and  provoke  him  to  a  contest  in  another 
field.  My  Lord,  I  knew  I  was  setting  my  life  on 
that  cast ;  but  I  knew  that,  in  either  event,  the  vic- 
tory should  be  with  me ;  and  it  is  with  me.  N'ei- 
ther  the  jur}',  nor  the  judges,  nor  any  other  man 
in  this  court,  presumes  to  imagine  that  it  is  a  crim- 
inal who  stands  in  this  dock.  [Murmurs  of  ap- 
plause, which  the  police  endeavored  to  suppress.] 
I  have  shown  what  the  law  is  made  of  in  Ireland  ; 
I  have  shown  that  her  Majesty's  government  sus- 
tains itself  in  Ireland  by  packed  juries,  by  partisan 
judges,  by  perjured  sherifls. 

Baron  Lefroy. — The  court  cannot  sit  here  to  hear 
you  arraign  the  jurors  of  the  country,  the  sheriffs 
of  the  country,  the  administration  of  justice,  the 
tenure  by  which  the  crown  of  England  holds  this 


JOHN     MITCHELL.  137 

country.  We  cannot  sit  here  to  suffer  3'ou  to  pro- 
ceed thus,  because  the  trial  is  over.  Every  thing 
you  had  to  say  previous  to  the  judgrment  the  court 
was  ready  to  hear,  and  did  hear.  We  cannot  suft'er 
you  to  stand  at  the  bar,  to  repeat,  I  must  say,  very 
nearly  a  repetition  of  the  ofl'ence  for  which  you 
have  been  sentenced. 

Mr.  Mitchell, — I  will  not  say  any  more  of  that 
kind  ;  but  I  say  this 

Baron  Lefroy. — Any  thing  you  wish  to  say  we 
will  hear;  but  I  trust  you  will  keep  yourself  within 
the  limits  which  your  own  judgment  must  suggest 
to  you. 

Mr.  Mitchell. — I  have  acted  all  through  this 
business,  from  the  first,  under  a  strong  sense  of 
duty.  I  do  not  repent  any  thing  I  have  done,  and 
I  believe  the  cause  which  I  have  opened  is  only 
commenced.  The  Roman  who  saw  his  hand  burn- 
ing to  ashes  before  the  tyrant,  promised  that  three 
hundred  should  follow  out  his  enterprise.  Can  I 
not  promise  for  one  ?  for  two  ?  for  three  ? 

The  writer  of  an  article  in  the  Crayon  Sketches 
says  :  "As  Mr.  Mitchell  pronounced  the  words  one, 
two,  and  three,  he  pointed  to  the  friends  behind 
him.  The  men  thus  solemnly  indicated  were 
Messrs.  Meagher,  Kcilly,  and  O'Gormau.  He  then 
5 


138  perso'nages. 

raised  his  eye  with  a  proud  glance,  and  recognizing 
others  in  all  parts  of  the  court,  he  added,  with 
eagerness,  'ylv/,  for  Imiulreds.'  Several  voices  in  the 
vicinage  of  the  dock,  simultaneously  and  with  deep 
solemnity,  cried,  'Thousands!'  and  'Promise  for 
me  !'  These  words  were  taken  up  all  through  the 
court,  and  for  some  minutes  the  building  resounded 
with  'For  me!'  'And  for  me,  Mitchell!'  'And  for 
me,  too !'  " 

Forthwith  Mitchell  was  carried  off  in  chains. 
First  he  was  taken  to  Spike  Island,  then  to  Ber- 
muda, where  he  passed  a  year  of  "  suspense,  agony, 
and  meditation."  iN'ext  he  was  taken  to  the  Cape 
of  Good  Ilope.  There,  in  a  "  close,  unclean,  un- 
healthy cavity,"  in  the  hinder  part  of  the  Neptune, 
he  spent  five  months  more.  Finally  he  was  carried 
to  Van  Dieman's  Land.  A  few  years  ago,  assisted 
by  a  friend,  whom  the  Irish  sent  from  America, 
Mitchell  escaped  from  Van  Dieman's  Land.  He 
landed  in  San  Francisco,  where  he  received  a  mag- 
nificent "  demonstration."  He  then  proceeded  to 
ISTew  York,  where  he  edited  the  Citizen  for  a  while. 
Mr.  Mitchell  is  now  settled  on  a  farm  in  Blount 
county,  East  Tennessee. 

In  politics  he  is  a  Republican ;  though,  as  he 
told  us  in  his  speech  last  Saturday  night,  not  an 


JOHN     MITCHELL.  139 

Ethiopian  or  Black  Republican.  His  political  doc- 
trines have  always  been  based  upon  the  doctrines 
of  Jefterson,  and  the  exam]ple  of  the  American 
Union.  In  religion  he  is  decidedly  Protestant ;  but 
believes  that  liberty  is  a  Catholic  as  well  as  a  Pro- 
testant right.  I  conclude  this  paper  in  the  beau- 
tiful words  of  Savage : 

JOHN     MITCHELL. 

Like  a  sky-wonder  in  a  gloomy  night, 

Outshone  this  man  upon  the  ways  of  men, 

Illumining  the  fetid  social  den, 

In  which  souls  dwindled  in  their  prime  of  might; 

For  that  they  lacked  an  honest  guiding  light, 

To  cheer  them  from  the  chamber-house  of  chains, 

Where  ghouls,  with  more  tongues  than  the  crop  had  grains, 

Bought  up  their  sense,  re-buying  with  it  bright 

Golden-lined  favors  from  the  despot's  hand. 

O !  thou  wert  one — John  Mitchell,  in  the  isle. 

To  stand  before  the  dooming  cannon's  file. 

And  preach  God's  holy  truth  unto  the  land! 

Ay,  your  faith  shook  them  from  the  damned  eclipse, 

As  Christian  sinners  shrink  'ncath  the  Apocalypse. 

St.  Louis,  November  28,  185G. 


140  PERSONAGES. 


REV.   JOHN  p.   DURBIN,  D.D., 

THE    PULPIT    ORATOR. 

Is  it  an  episcopal  decision  that  every  sketcher  of 
Dr.  Durbiu  shall  tell  that  same  old  story,  about  the 
first  appearance  of  the  "Western  Professor"  before 
an  "Eastern  Audience,"  in  the  "Old  Academy," 
Philadelphia,  or  forfeit  his  ministerial  standing? 
Is  there  a  dispensation  now  laid  upon  me,  as  I  step 
upon  the  threshold  of  this  article,  to  tell  all  about 
the  Philadelphia  "  "Wiseacres" — the  "  Swan's  Song" 
— the  "Goose-cackle" — the  "Western  Preacher" — 
and  the  "Begging  Expedition?"  I  hope  that  I 
may  hazard  nothing  in  leaving  this  gossip — this 
twaddle — to  "A  Journeyman"  of  1852,  and  Abel 
Stevens  of  1855.  Once,  in  Brooklyn,  I  showed  this 
story  to  Dr.  Durbin,  and  have  good  reason  for  be- 
lieving and  writing  that  he  thinks  a  part  of  it  is 
false,  and  the  Avhole  of  it  foolish. 

Dr.  Durbin  is  nearly  fifty-five  years  old,  having 


REV.     JOHN    P.     DURBIN,     D.D.  141 

been  born  October  10th,  1800.  He  is  a  native  of 
Bourbon  County,  Kentucky.  Poverty  or  neglect 
deprived  liim  of  an  early  education.  In  1814,  lie 
entered  a  cabinetmaker's  shop  in  Paris,  Kentucky ; 
where  he  remained,  like  a  sensible  boy,  and  learned 
a  trade.  In  1818,  he  was  converted — made  a  pub- 
lic profession  of  religion — and  joined  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  Rev.  Benjamin  Lakin  received 
him  into  the  Church.  One  week  after  this,  through 
the  instrumentality  of  Rev.  Absalom  Hunt,  he  re- 
ceived a  recommendation  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
Conference  for  a  local  preacher's  license.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach  November  28th,  1818,  by  Rev. 
Alexander  Cummiugs,  and  sent  to  a  place  called 
Limestone  Circuit.  In  1819,  he  was  sent  to  a  cir- 
cuit two  hundred  miles  round,  in  the  north-west 
corner  of  Ohio,  to  exercise  his  "  gifts  and  graces" 
in  preaching  the  gospel  to  about  one  hundred 
church  members.  Here  he  became  a  student  in 
good  earnest,  and  read  the  works  of  Wesley,  Flet- 
cher, and  Dr.  Clarke.  The  editor  of  the  National 
Magazine  says  :  "All  of  which  he  thoroughly  mas- 
tered in  the  Western  cabins."  This  is  simply  a 
Stevensism.  I  am  afraid  the  eloquent  Doctor  has 
not  " mastered"  them  yet!  Next  year  found  him 
the  colleague  of  Rev.  James  Collard,  the  printer, 


142  PERSONAGES. 

Oil  a  circuit  in  the  State  of  Indiana.  Here  he 
studied  English  Grammar.  One  who  lias  listened 
to  the  amusing  anecdotes  of  Dr.  Ilenkle,  of  Ten- 
nessee, would  infer  that  "John,"  as  the  Doctor 
familiarly  styles  him,  learned  the  grammar  to  per- 
fection. The  Conference  stationed  him  in  Hamil- 
ton, Ohio,  in  1821.  While  in  this  charge,  he 
studied  Greek  and  Latin,  etc.,  in  Miami  University 
at  Oxford.  That  was  an  unusually  sensible  con- 
gregation of  Methodists,  who  put  the  time  of  their 
young  pastor  at  his  own  disposal,  during  the  week, 
that  he  might  furnish  his  mind,  and  prepare  him- 
self for  future  usefulness  and  influence  in  the  Church 
of  God.  In  1822,  he  was  stationed  in  Lebanon, 
where  he  pursued  his  studies  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  Martin  Jiuter,  and  the  tuition  of  a  private  in- 
structor of  rare  accomplishments.  In  1823  and 
1824,  he  was  in  charge  of  a  church  in  the  city  of 
Cincinnati.  Here  he  completed  the  course  of  study 
in  Cincinnati  College,  and  was  admitted  at  once  to 
the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  The  A.  B.  was 
omitted. 

Such  is  an  outline  of  the  history  of  John  P.  Dur- 
bin,  during  the  first  few  years  of  his  travels,  toils, 
and  self-denials,  in  search  of  the  souls  of  men. 
The  honor  of  writing  tliat  exquisite  story,  "I'll 


REV.     JOHN     P.     DURBIN,     D.D.  143 

Try,"  sits   becomingly  on   one  who   lias  cut  and 
cleaved  his  way  through  so  many  obstacles. 

"  Behold  the  portrait,  and  admire : 
Nor  stop  to  wonder — imitate  and  live." 

Young  man,  young  woman,  would  you  like  to 
rise  too  ?     Well,  get  up.     Who  hinders  you  ? 

Since  his  graduation,  Dr.  Durbin  has  been  em- 
ployed— in  teaching  the  languages  in  Augusta  Col- 
lege, Kentucky,  to  students  who  still  speak  of  him 
with  the  generous  glow  of  enthusiastic  admiration — 
as  chaplain  in  Washington  Cit}-,  where  his  sermons 
to  the  senators  are  still  remembered  for  their  pith, 
pathos,  and  power — as  President  of  Dickinson  Col- 
lege, supported  by  the  most  remarkable  Faculty  of 
young  men  (Emory,  Caldwell,  Allen,  McClintock, 
Sudler,  Crooks,  Reed,  McClintock,  M.D.,  Scott, 
Bowman,  and  Walker)  ever  associated  in  any  Me- 
thodist institution — in  travelling  over  the  Old 
World,  and  writing  us  four  volumes  of  great  merit, 
to  let  us  know  how  he  waked  and  how  he  slept ; 
how  he  walked  and  how  he  talked ;  what  he  saw 
and  what  he  suftered — in  preaching  to  crowded 
churches  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  for  years  in 
succession — presiding  over  a  district  in  Philadel- 
phia; and,  as  we  younglings  say,  preaching  "with 
great  acceptability  and  usefulness" — editing  a  news- 


144  PERSONAOES. 

paper — and  acting  as  tlie  Secretary  of  the  Mission- 
ary Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

Dr.  Durbin,  in  addition  to  all  this,  is  rather  an 
industrious  writer.  Besides  Observations  in  Eu- 
rope, two  volumes,  12mo,  and  Observations  in  the 
East,  two  volumes,  12mo,  he  has  contributed  arti- 
cles, stories,  and  reviews  for  the  quarterlies,  month- 
lies, and  weeklies  of  our  Church  and  country, 
which  will  live  long  after  he  is  gone.  "  I'll  Try"  is 
one  of  them.  And  he  can  lecture  withal.  In  a 
conversation  with  Dr.  N.  L.  Kice,  not  long  since, 
he  said  to  me:  "Dr.  Durbin,  of  your  Church,  de- 
livered one  of  the  most  interesting  lectures  I  heard 
while  I  was  in  Cincinnati." 

The  editor  of  the  National  Magazine  writes :  "We 
have  no  hesitancy  in  pronouncing  Dr.  Durbin  the 
most  interesting  preacher  now  in  the  Methodist 
jiulpit.  AVe  gave  Oliu  this  distinction  once,  but  it 
remains  now  with  Durbin.  Others  there  are  who 
excel  him  in  particular  respects,  but  none  that  equal 
him  cither  in  i)opular  effect  or  in  the  interest  of  in- 
telligent, thoughtful  minds."  Yes,  Dr.  Stevens, 
"  others  there  are."  I  know  one — a  great  obscurity, 
when  compared  with  the  wide  fame  of  Dr.  Durbin 
— who  excels  him  in  every  "particular  respect."  I 
know     another  —  more    distinguished    than    Dr. 


KEV.    JOHN    P.     DURBIN,     D.D.  145 

Durbin — wlio  excels  liim  in  every  "particular  re- 
spect," save  one.  That  is  to  say,  I  know  Dr.  John 
"W.  Hanner,  one  of  the  most  eloquent  Methodist 
preachers  alive ;  who  perhaps  combines  more  per- 
fectly than  any  man  now  in  the  pulpit,  the  strength 
of  the  lion  with  the  flight  of  the  eagle ;  who,  if  he 
were  in  London,  and  so  minded,  could  relume  the 
days  of  Edward  Irving :  and  this  is  to  say,  I  know 
Dr.  George  F.  Pierce,  incomparably  the  most  elo- 
quent Bishop  in  the  Methodist  Church,  North  or 
South. 

The  eulogist  of  Dr.  Durbin  says :  "  We  speak 
deliberately."  I  claim  to  do  the  same.  I  have 
heard  Dr.  Durbin  twice,  in  his  loftiest  moods,  in 
Pacific  Street  Church,  Brooklyn,  to  crowded  au- 
diences. I  have  heard  Bishop  Pierce  preach  twice 
also.  Both  great  occasions — once  at  the  session  of 
the  Georgia  Conference,  and  once  in  Nashville,  the 
funeral  sermon  for  Bishop  Capers.  I  have  heard 
Dr.  Hanner  only  twice  —  both  times  before  the 
Tennessee  Conference.  And  depend  upon  it,  when 
the  Recorder  of  Immortal  Names  comes  to  register 
these  three,  he  will  write  them  down :  "  Hanner, 
Pierce,  Durbin" — among 

"  the  few,  tlie  immnrtnl  names, 

That  were  not  born  to  die." 


146  PERSONAGES. 

It  is  not  difficult  to  describe  the  personal  appear- 
ance of  Dr.  Durbin.  In  calm,  he  stands  before  you 
a  shade  below  the  ordinary  height  of  Americans, 
but  firmly  put  together.  His  head  is  rather  com- 
mon, but  not  so  contemptible  in  appearance  as  has 
been  represented.  It  is  covered  with  long,  well- 
cultivated,  brown  hair,  mingled  with  gray.  His 
eyes  do  his  own  seeing,  stupid  as  they  appear. 
Above  them  is  a  forehead  —  like  Calhoun's — like 
Channing's — like  Bancroft's — like  Bishop  Simp- 
son's—  neither  broad,  nor  high,  nor  prominent. 
Fortunately,  however,  brains  are  behind  it.  He  is 
broad  enough  between  the  ears.  His  nose  is  small, 
turned  up  slightly  at  the  end.  The  mouth  indi- 
cates— that  you  are  not  to  press  on  Dr.  Durbin — 
that  he  is  disposed  to  have  his  own  way.  The  gen- 
eral complexion  of  the  face  is  florid.  His  neck  is 
short,  and  clothed  daily  with  polished  linen  and 
most  elaborate  lawn.  He  Avcars  fine  black  clothes, 
from  the  best  of  tailors.  These  arc  brushed  entirely 
too  often.  Hands  and  feet  small,  but  active,  well 
gloved  and  unexceptionably  shod.  He  is  broad  be- 
tween the  shoulders,  and  weighs  one  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds.  In  Morm — that  is  only  when  he  is 
spoakinj,  and  sometimes  not  then — he  is  a  trans- 
formed mau,  moving  before  you  in  majesty,  vital 


REV.     JOHN     P.     DURBIN,     D.D.  147 

from  head  to  foot,  his  hands  waving  eloquence 
itself,  his  chest  erect,  his  face  transfigured  before 
you  ;  his  eyes,  as  the  Englishman  said  of  Daniel 
Webster,  opening,  and  opening,  and  opening — you 
think  they  will  never  quit  opening  ;  his  thought, 
like  lightning,  piercing  you  ;  and  his  voice,  like 
thunder,  amazing  and  overwhelming  you.  Be  it 
reverently  quoted:  "Lord,  it  is  good  to  be"  there  ! 
Ilis  manners  in  private  are  those  of  a  quiet,  chill- 
ing— cold  friend  !  inclined  to  be  serious ;  but  per- 
fect of  their  kind.  They  would  suit  some  acquaint- 
ances of  mine,  who  think  to  be  feared  is  not  to  be 
hated;  who  suppose  their  tubs  tower  like  unto 
Diogeues's,  but  who  are  simply  mistaken.  "As  for 
my  single  self,"  I  have  little  use  for  persons  of  such 
freezing  friendships,  unless  they  could  be  persuaded 
to  sit  for  grave  pictures,  to  fill  a  department  of  Ori- 
ginal Tragicalities,  in  some  new  monthly  magazine ! 
A  polite  note,  in  August,  1852,  in  reply  to  one  I 
had  sent  him  through  the  post-ofiice,  invited  me  to 
Dr.  Durbin's  residence,  in  Philadelphia.  I  delivered 
a  letter  of  introduction,  given  me  by  Dr.  Wight- 
man,  in  Charleston.  The  same  afternoon  we  set 
out  for  New  York  together.  The  next  morning, 
Sunday,  I  walked  all  the  Avay  to  Pacific  Street  Me- 
thodist Church,  "over  in  Brooklyn,"  to  hear  my 


148  PERSONAGES. 

first  sermon  from  Dr.  Durbin.  The  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  was  to  be  administered  in  the 
afternoon.  The  service  and  sermon  in  the  forenoon 
were  appropriate  and  impressive.  I  had  heard  bro- 
ther Elliston,  of  !N'ashville,  describe  liis  manner  of 
introducing  a  service  and  sermon  so  well,  that  I 
supposed  I  was  prepared  for  the  worst.  But  so 
slow,  so  feeble,  so  drawling,  so  whining  an  effort  at 
reading,  praying,  and  talking,  was  beyond  my 
powers  of  endurance ;  and  being  a  stran^Jer,  and 
lost  in  the  crowded  church,  and  sadly  disappointed, 
I  leaned  over  on  the  back  of  the  pew  in  front,  and 
prepared  for  a  dull  hour,  and  a  deep  intellectual 
sleep.  Precisely  at  this  moment,  he  threw  oft'  his 
first  thrilling  paragraph.  It  brought  me  as  straight 
up  as  the  starting  of  a  railroad  car.  I  looked  at 
the  preacher,  and  behold,  his  eyes  were  open  !  The 
afflatus  had  come  !  Sleep  had  fled  !  Directly — 
another — and  another — and  another — to  the  conclu- 
sion of  one  of  the  longest,  most  instructive,  most 
refreshing,  most  eloquent  gospel  sermons  that  ever 
fell  from  the  lips  of  Christian  preacher  !  There  was 
no  provoking  conceit,  or  paradox,  or  daring  specu- 
lation, that  day  ;  but  a  pure  stream  of  gospel  truth 
flowed  from  the  preacher's  head  and  heart.  The 
"Academy"  listeners  were  willing  to  hear  him  again. 


REV.    JOHN     P.     DURBIN,     D.D.  149 

I  was  anxious.  Tlie  concluding  services  reminded 
us  that  he  had  not  forgotten  to  drawl  yet.  A  paper 
sermon  against  Pantheism,  read  from  the  pulpit  of 
the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  in  the  afternoon,  and 
another  from  the  platform  of  Henry  Ward  Beech- 
er's  church,  at  night,  on  the  subject  of  Astronomy, 
cooled  me  off,  so  that  I  slept  well.  On  the  next 
Sabbath  morning,  the  same  congregation,  in  the 
same  church,  were  favored  with  another  sermon 
from  Dr.  Durbin.  His  subject  was  the  address  of 
the  servant  to  Naaman.  It  was  much  better  suited 
to  the  preacher's  genius  than  the  "  Institution  of 
the  Eucharist."  It  brought  out  his  full  narrative, 
and  descriptive,  and  illustrative,  and  pictorial 
powers.  It  was  the  better  sermon  of  the  two,  and 
satisfied  me  that  Dr.  Durbin  ought  to  stand  third 
among  "  The  First  Three." 

Dr.  Durbin's  is  a  great  nature  that  can  rest. 
Wonder  if  he  is  any  akin  to  Goldsmith,  or  Pope, 
or  Cowper  ?  He  sleeps  fully  as  much  as  they  are 
reported  to  have  done.  Immediately  after  early 
family  devotion,  he  gets  to  bed  and  goes  to  sleep. 
A  while  after  the  second  bell  rings  for  prayers,  late 
in  the  morning,  he  comes  down  in  masterly  com- 
posure. It  is  Sabbath  morning,  at  brother  Ray- 
mond's, in  Brooklyn.     He  preaches  at  eleven,  dines 


150  PERSONAGES. 

at  one;  goes  to  bed,  drawling  out:  "Now,  3'on  get 
ready  to  preach  to-night,  or  tlicre  will  be  no  preach- 
ing done,"  and  sleeps  till  three.  lie  arises  at  three, 
attends  church,  administers  the  sacrament,  and 
spends  the  remainder  of  the  afternoon  in  reading, 
or  low  serious  conversation.  After  tea,  he  attends 
church,  listens  to  you  attentively,  declines  conclud- 
ing the  services  for  you.  From  the  church  he 
hastens  to  his  bed-room,  hastens  into  bed,  expresses 
his  astonishment  at  those  who  keep  such  late  hours, 
and  falls  to  sleep  or  ever  the  words  die  upon  your 
ears.  Next  morning,  comes  very  near  arising  in 
time  for  pra3'ers.  Misses  it  about  five  minutes,  and 
apologizes  elegantly.  We  spend  the  next  Sunday 
in  the  same  pious  family.  The  Doctor  preaches  in 
the  forenoon,  gets  iuily  awake,  dines  at  one,  and 
immediately  prepares  to  get  fully  asleep.  I  venture 
to  ask  him  to  liear  Kev.  K.  S.  Storrs  at  three.  He 
jH'omises  upon  condition  that  you  will  not  awake 
liiui  until  three.  At  the  minute,  I  awako  liini.  ]Ic 
looks  at  his  watch,  and  yawns  out:  "  Blessed  is  the 
man  that  invented  sleep !"  Says  it  will  be  time 
enough  in  fifteen  minutes,  and  a  deep  sleep  falls 
upon  him.  (Quarter  after  three  lie  arises,  and  we 
go  to  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims.  Storrs  is  absent. 
A  youth  from   the  Theological  Seminary,  in  New 


REV.     JOHN     P.     DURBIN,     D.D.  151 

York,  reads  a  manuscript  sermon.  We  retire,  and 
just  as  we  step  upon  the  pavement,  the  Doctor 
quietly  remarks :  "  Right  clever  sort  of  young  man 
— rather  a  sprightly  mind  ;  but,  he  has  knocked  me 
out  of  at  least  two  hours'  sleep !"  Dr.  Durbin  told 
me,  that  one  of  the  most  cheering  thoughts,  when 
busy  in  the  execution  of  his  work,  was  that  of  sleep- 
ing soimdljj  when  it  was  done.  Said  that  frequently, 
after  days  of  mental  toil,  he  lay  down,  and  slept 
from  fourteen  to  eighteen  hours !  Men  of  genius 
must  have  some  peculiarity.  It  strikes  me,  this  is 
Dr.  Durbin's.  I  conclude — not  in  reference  to  his 
sleeping,  but  to  his  wonderful  activity  and  energy 
when  awake — with  that  beautiful  stanza  from  Long- 
fellow : 

"  Lives  of  great  men  all  remind  us 
We  can  make  our  lives  sublime, 
And,  departing,  leave  behind  us 
Footprints  on  the  sands  of  time." 


152  PERSONAQES. 


REV.   ALEXANDER  R.   ERWIN,   D.D., 

THE     FAITHFUL     PREACHER. 

Some  warm  day  in  June  or  July  many  readers  of 
the  Ilome  Circle  will  take  it  up,  and  look  for  an 
easy  article.     This  is  one :  suppose  you  stop  here. 

Fourteen  years  ago,  lacking  a  few  months,  I  rode 
into  Nashville  on  horseback,  and  stopped  at  the 
Sewanee  House.  A  lady  reader  asks,  "Was  this 
your  first  visit?"  Yes;  and  I  got  on  my  horse 
next  day,  and  rode  deliberately  "  all  over  the 
town."  An  Ea&t  Tennessee  boy,  taking  three 
meals  a  day  at  the  Sewanee,  and  opening  his  eyes 
on  the  wonders  of  Nashville,  was  prepared  to  ^vritc 
home  to  liis  mother  a  letter  as  full  of  the  marvel- 
lous as  a  Christmas  pudding  is  of  plums. 

I  think  of  this  period  of  my  life  as  the  time 
when  I  made  the  accpiaintance  of  the  Rev.  A.  R. 
Erwin,  and  heard  him  preach.  One  evening  I 
went  to  the  M'Kcndrec  Church:  it  was  very  full 


REV.     A.     II.     ERWIN,     D.D.  153 

of  people.  The  pulpit  was  occupied  hj  a  young 
man — tall,  lean,  swarthy — with  black  hair  and  a 
brilliant  eye.  This  frame  was  deposited  in  loose 
black  garments,  and  its  utterances  were  firm.  The 
sermon  was  short,  perspicuous,  practical,  and 
abounded  in  passages  of  pathos  and  eloquence. 
All  agreed,  I  believe,  that  it  was  the  best  sermon 
delivered  during  that  session  of  the  Conference. 
He  was  the  only  preacher  of  genuine  cultivation 
and  great  pulpit  power  I  had  ever  heard,  excepting 
two  or  three.  This  young  man  was  A.  R.  Erwin, 
who  afterwards  became  the  dearest  and  most  inti- 
mate friend  I  have  ever  known.  He  wrote  to  me 
regularly  and  constantly  for  fourteen  years.  His 
last  letter,  written  just  before  his  death,  covers 
three  pages,  and  concludes:  "God  bless  you  for 
ever,  dear  brother !" 

Dr.  Erwin  was  a  quick  man  —  remarkably  so. 
Once,  in  1847,  he  came  to  see  me.  He  read  the 
livelong  night  on  the  boat,  and  reached  the  village 
in  time  for  breakfast.  Immediately  afterwards  he 
went  to  bed,  and  slept  like  a  log.  The  first  bell 
rang  for  church,  and  I  aroused  him.  He  got  up, 
washed,  dressed,  prayed.  The  second  bell  rang. 
He  put  his  fingers  into  his  pocket,  and  took  out  a 
scrap  of  paper,  crumpled  after  the  fashion  of  a 


154  PERSONAQES. 

bank  bill  in  tbc  bands  of  a  railroad  conductor,  and 
quietly  remarked : 

"Wait  a  moment.  I  must  look  over  my  ser- 
mon." 

In  less  tban  five  minutes  be  was  before  a  strange 
audience,  and  tbat  day  seemed  to  preacb  better 
tban  usual. 

Dinner  over,  be  went  to  sleep  again.  Slept  tbree 
bours.  Arose ;  took  up  tlic  Ladies'  Repository ; 
read  aloud  until  supper — and  be  road  beautifully ; 
tben  went  into  tbe  pulpit,  and  preacbed  witb 
fluency  and  power.  Tbe  morning  sermon  was  a 
masterly  argument  against  Unitarianism  :  tbe  even- 
ing discourse  poured  tbe  oil  of  consolation  into  tbe 
soul  of  tbe  tempted  believer. 

In  1848  we  were  at  a  temperance  supper  in 
Clarksvillc,  Tennessee.  After  supper,  tbc  regular 
speecb  was  delivered,  and  a  banner  was  presented 
and  received.  Some  admirer  called  out,  "  Erwin  !" 
Fortbwitb,  more  tban  a  hundred  voices  sbouted 
for  Erwin.  He  walked  out  on  tbc  platform,  and 
made  an  address  to  tbc  banner.  It  was  twenty 
miimtcs  long,  and  remarkable  for  correctness  of 
composition,  beauty,  and  l)rilliancy.  lie  informed 
me  afterwards  tbat  it  was  wbolly  impromptu. 

Once  more.     Tbe  citizens  of  Atbens,  Alabama, 


REV.    A.     R.     ERWIN,     D.D.  155 

will  testify  that  lie  gave  them  a  sermon  once  on 
short  notice.  A  young  brother  had  thoughtlessly 
consented  to  fill  the  pulpit  at  an  hour  when  Dr. 
"Wadsworth  was  expected  to  do  so.  After  perform- 
ing the  opening  service,  he  surveyed  the  crowd. 
There  were  present  about  two  hundred  preachers 
and  four  hundred  people.  Something  akin  to  pride 
whispered : 

"Fain  would  I  climb, 
Yet  I  fear  to  fall." 

Something  akin  to  prudence  answered: 


"If  thy  heart  fail  Ihee, 
Climb  not  at  all." 


So  he  walked  down  from  the  pulpit,  Egomet. 
Rev.  F.  P.  Scruggs  knew  the  man  for  this  emerg- 
ency ;  so  he  looked  over  the  pulpit,  and  called  the 
name  of  Brother  Erwin.  In  less  than  one  minute, 
Erwin  had  read  his  text,  and  was  preaching. 

He  studied,  read,  sermonized,  and  wrote  irregu- 
larl}'  but  rapidly.  That  is  to  say,  he  was  no  ma- 
chine. If  he  was  greatly  absorbed,  he  studied  late 
at  night.  Then,  if  he  wanted  to  sleep  in  the  day- 
time, he  slept  —  sometimes  long  and  deep.  The 
dullest  man  I  ever  saw  arose  at  four  in  the  morn- 


156  PERSONAGES. 

ing.  Tlicn  ho  would  nod  until  dayliglit.  Some 
one  would  persuade  him  to  lie  dowu  again,  llis 
invariable  reply  was : 

*'  Mr.  Wesley  rose  at  four  !" 

At  ten  o'elock  my  stupid  friend  would  retire. 
After  lying  awake  for  an  hour,  some  one  would 
ask  him  to  get  up. 

"  Mr.  Wesley  always  retired  at  ten  I" 

Dr.  Erwin  read  books — read  them  through,  and 
re-read  them,  provided  they  were  interesting  and 
profitable :  if  not,  he  threw  them  to  the  top  shelf, 
and  went  at  something  else.  He  was  fond  of  mag- 
azines also,  and  read  them  by  the  bushel. 

He  was  an  extensive  sermonizer,  but  onlv  made 
sermons  as  he  needed  them.  He  would  take  half 
a  sheet  of  small  paper,  fill  it  with  notes,  fold  it  up, 
and  put  it  in  his  vest  pocket.  During  the  week,  he 
would  refer  to  it,  read  it  over,  think  about  it,  throw 
the  notes  away,  and  know  the  sermon  ever  after- 
wards. 

He  wrote  sketches,  addresses,  and  edited  a 
monthly  magazine  one  year.  Aside  from  these,  he 
only  wrote  for  the  press  occasionally;  sometimes 
prose,  sometimes  poetry.  The  pages  of  the  Home 
Circle,  Christian  Advocate,  and  Sunday-school  Vis- 
itor furnish  specimens  of  his  poetry. 


REV.     A.     R.     ERWIN,     D.D.  157 

Dr.  Erwin's  talent  for  the  pastoral  work,  and  for 
the  secular  business  of  life,  I  think,  was  only  mod- 
erate ;  but  his  ability  to  manage  your  heart  has 
seldom  been  equalled.  He  was  a  genuine  lover  of 
mankind.  He  knew  you  once,  and  he  knew  you 
always.  "Whether  you  were  land-owner  or  brain- 
owner,  he  knew  you.  His  cordial  greeting  was  not 
like  that  of  the  demagogue,  acquired  after  years  of 
hard  smiling ;  but  the  spontaneous  expression  of  a 
loving  heart.  He  would  counsel  with  you  by  the 
hour,  and  could  tell  you  of  all  your  faults  without 
giving  offence.  You  could  talk  to  him,  or  write  to 
him,  in  confidence,  without  any  thought  of  betrayal. 
I  never  knew  a  word  of  evil  to  fall  from  his  lips. 
Your  character  was  safe  with  him,  and  you  felt  it. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  all  you  desired :  would 
visit  you,  exchange  pulpits  with  you,  preach  when 
you  asked  him,  and  stand  by  you  in  a  revival  as 
long  as  he  could.  He  talked  well,  read  well,  sang 
well,  and  prayed  like  a  child  of  God.  He  was  a 
man  of  good  Christian  fellowship,  hardly  surpassed 
once  in  a  century.  And  I  never  met  but  one  per- 
son who  was  tired  of  his  preaching.  His  sermons 
were  so  clear  and  compact,  so  pathetical  and  prac- 
tical, that  all  men  of  sense  or  sensibility  were  pro- 
filed by  them. 


158  PERSONAGES. 

Dr.  Erwiii  Lad  long  ago  proclaimed  the  bans  of 
niatriniony  for  religion  and  literature.  IIo  read 
the  IJiblc,  and  he  read  French;  delighted  in  the- 
ology and  books  of  travels ;  was  fond  of  prayer 
and  good  poetry ;  could  teach  as  well  as  preach ; 
could  lay  down  the  telescope  and  take  up  an 
infant's  catechism ;  and  turn  from  viewing  the 
Fpangk'd  heavens  to  the  worship  of  the  Babe  of 
Bethlehem.  The  great  Creator  put  more  stuff 
into  the  making  of  this  man  than  he  does  ordina- 
rily; and  the  annals  of  Methodism  will  take  care 
of  his  reputation. 

Dr.  Erwin  was  born  in  Louisiana,  the  son  of  a 
teacher  and  Baptist  preacher,  January  12,  1820. 
He  completed  his  academic  studios  at  Lebanon, 
Tenn.,  and  married  early  in  life.  He  entered  the 
ministry  about  the  age  of  twenty,  spent  his  profes- 
sional life  within  the  Tennessee  Conference,  and 
died  in  iruntsville,  Ala.,  January  10,  18G0.  I  con- 
tribute this  evening's  writing  to  the  sacred  fame  of 
liim  who  longed  to  spend  the  fortieth  anniversary 
(>r  Ills  birthday  in  heaven. 

A  brother  so  saintly,  an  educator  so  successful,  a 
preacher  so  eloquent,  should  be  extensively  known 
in  our  Church.  He  was  prominent  in  the  sessions 
of  Annual  and  General  Conferences ;  and  I  take  it 


REV.     A.     R.     ERWIN,     D.D.  159 

for  granted  that  our  good  Book  Agent  will  make 
his  shining  face  prominent  in  our  Home  Circle  or 
Quarterly  Review.  Thousands  of  loving  eyes  will 
rest  upon  it;  and  the  sight  will  move  thousands  of 
loving  hearts. 

Lexington,  Mo.,  May  24,  1860. 


160  PERSONAGES, 


AVM.    M.   THACKERAY, 

THE     NOVELIST. 

You  arc  invited  to  read  a  short  sketch  of  William 
Makepeace  Thackeray,  author  of  twenty  volumes — 
such  as  they  are — namely :  The  Newcomes,  2  vols, ; 
History  of  Pcndennis,  2  vols. ;  Vanity  Fair ;  Eng- 
lish Humorists  of  the  Eighteenth  Century;  The 
Luck  of  Berry  Lyndon,  2  vols. ;  Confessions  of 
Fitz-Boodle  and  Major  Gahagan  ;  Men's  "Wives ;  A 
Shabhy-Genteel  Story,  and  other  Tales;  Jeames's 
Diary,  a  Legend  of  the  Rhine  ;  The  Book  of  Snobs ; 
The  Paris  Sketch-Book,  2  vols. ;  The  Yellowplush 
Papers  ;  Punch's  Prize  Novelist ;  Ballads ;  Prince, 
etc. ;  and  Lectures,  etc. 

Of  this  long  list,  the  Humorists,  the  Ballads,  and 
the  Lectures,  are  worth  reading,  through,  perhaps. 
The  others  ought  not  to  be  recommended. 

Thackeray,  the  satirist,  the  liumorist,  the  novelist, 
is  now  before  us :  the  man  who  is  said  to  be  en- 
dorsed by  many  of  the  iir^t  miuds  of  Europe.     Is 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  161 

lie  prematurely  gray?  I  think  not.  His  lower 
limbs  totter,  his  hands  tremble,  his  hair  is  almost 
white :  he  is  an  old  man.  If  not,  he  has  been 
slight]}^  paralyzed,  or  given  to  dissipation,  or  greatly 
enervated  by  study.  His  head  is  large ;  forehead 
wide  and  low ;  eyes  elegantly  spectacled ;  nose, 
small ;  cheeks,  fat ;  mouth,  large ;  chin,  decidedly 
aristocratic ;  face,  whiskerless ;  neck,  rather  short ; 
arms,  long,  and  always  in  his  way,  when  speaking ; 
body,  robust — feeds  it  on  roast  beef  and  plum  pud- 
ding, exposes  it  to  pure  air,  and  bathes  it  in  cold 
water ;  lower  limbs,  lengthy ;  feet,  huge. 

Thackeray  towers  above  ordinary  men  as  the 
mountain  towers  above  surrounding  hills.  He 
must  be  six  feet  four  inches.  His  dress  is  black, 
extremely  plain  :  not  a  piece  of  gold  to  be  seen 
on  his  person,  except  spectacles  and  watch-chain. 
Real  gentlemen  never  bedeck  themselves  with 
jewelry;  but  if  you  want  a  vulgar  person  to  run 
wild  in  his  admiration  of  you,  come  into  his  pre- 
sence wearing  a  seal  as  large  as  a  brickbat !  In- 
fants, idiots,  Indians,  and  some  others,  are  fond  of 
trinkets. 

Before  an  audience,  Thackeray  stands  perfectly 
still,  or  leans  indolently  against  the  desk.  He 
holds  his  manuscript  with  the  left  hand,  and  puts 


162  PERSONAGES. 

the  right  into  his  vest  pocket,  -wliore  it  remains 
during  the  lecture,  unless  its  assistance  is  roijuired 
in  turning  a  leaf.  With  a  voice  of  line  deep  tones, 
a  composition  almost  faultless,  as  such,  he  reads  like 
one  who  had  been  in  the  world  ever  since  lie  was 
born. 

It  has  been  said  that  there  is  always  something 
lacking  or  something  out  of  place  when  Thackeray 
arises  to  lecture.  One  evening,  during  his  course 
on  the  Georges,  a  gentleman  said  to  a  literary  friend : 
"  Do  you  see  that  desk,  that  platform,  those  chairs, 
etc.  ?  Do  you  see  any  thing  wanting — any  thing 
out  of  the  way  ?"  "  No,"  he  replied ;  "  every  thing 
looks  very  neat  and  convenient."  "  Wait,"  said  the 
first  speaker,  "  until  Thackeray  comes,  and  you  will 
Bee."  Very  soon,  Thackeray  came  aboard  the  plat- 
form, and  the  elite  gave  him  as  hearty  a  round  of 
applause  as  thin  soles  and  kid  gloves  can  produce. 
Major  William  M.  Morrison,  in  his  easy  and  elegant 
way,  introduced  him  to  the  auditory.  With  this 
came  another  round  of  ;q)plause.  Thackeray 
turned  to  the  Major,  and  asked  him  to  give  notice 
that  the  lecture  for  the  next  evening  would  be  on 
George  IV.  This  done,  the  desk  was  not  high 
enough,  and  a  gentleman  was  dispatched  for  a  load 
of   blank-books   to   make   it  hii^her.      Then,   the 


( 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  163 

pitcher  of  water  must  be  lifted  from  the  floor,  and 
placed  upon  the  desk.  Finally,  he  lectured  ou 
George  III.,  and  such  a  lecture  ! 

Thackeray  and  his  employers  deemed  his  fame  all 
that  was  necessary  to  bring  out  a  large  audience. 
When  he  Avas  engaged  for  two  lectures,  one  of  the 
leading  morning  papers  stated  so  much,  and  no 
more.  I^o  sketch  of  his  life  appeared :  no  list  of 
his  works  were  given  :  no  history  of  his  lecturing 
tours  in  the  United  States  was  printed  :  no  columns 
of  quotations,  from  other  newspapers  that  have 
either  praised  or  blamed,  were  made  up :  none  of 
the  usual  trumpeting,  which  nearly  always  precedes 
other  lecturing  heroes,  was  heard.  Ko  placards,  no 
pamphlets,  no  pufiing — nothing  —  but  Thackeray 
and  his  "Georges!"  Many  thought  he  was  not 
coming.  But  he  came.  The  papers  next  morning 
stated  that  he  was  on  hand,  and  would  lecture. 
At  half-past  seven  o'clock  that  evening,  every  sit- 
ting in  the  Hall  was  taken,  at  fifty  cents  entrance. 
At  eight  o'clock,  the  evening  after,  the  seats  and 
chairs  were  all  occupied,  and  many  persons  only 
obtained  standing-room.  Some  of  these  were 
ladies. 

His  lecture  on  George  HI.  is  brief,  conversational, 
anecdotal,  humorous,  gossipy.     Withal,  it  is  more 


1G4  PEK  SON  AGES. 

spiritual  than  you  would  expect  from  Thackeray, 
lie  has  read  up  the  subject,  such  as  it  is,  with 
great  care,  and  has  culled  the  spiciest  items.  Occa- 
sionally there  occurs  a  passage  which  shows  all  the 
artist.  He  ought  to  have  followed  painting,  as  well 
as  authorship.  Of  this  character  is  the  description 
of  good,  old,  Protestant  George,  in  his  last  years, 
after  he  became  blind,  deaf,  and  hopelessly  beretl 
of  reason.  The  vividness  of  this  picture,  the  artis- 
tic heightening  of  its  pathetic  tints,  the  tragic 
grandeur  of  the  principal  figure,  the  exquisite  charm 
of  a  style  almost  perfect,  produce  a  whole,  seldom 
to  be  enjoyed,  and  superior,  I  think,  even  to  the 
celebrated  close  of  his  lecture  on  the  Dean  of  St. 
Patrick's. 

His  lecture  on  George  IV.  is  longer,  more  sarcas- 
tic, more  eloquent,  and  more  instructive.  In  the 
descriptions  of  streets  and  buildings,  courts  and 
company,  furniture  and  dress,  manners  and  gesture, 
which  make  up  the  principal  parts  of  this  lecture, 
Thackeray  is  Imrdly  excelled.  The  portrait  he  draws 
of  George,  the  English  Grand  Lama,  the  seducer, 
the  drunkard,  the  gambler,  jockc}',  fop,  spendthrift, 
"Defender  of  the  Faith,"  "Head  of  the  Church  of 
England,"  and  "First  Gentleman  of  Europe,"  is 
one  that  will  hang  in  the  chamber  of  your  memory 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  165 

for  many  years.  There  is  scarcel}-  any  thing  more 
heautiful  in  American  literature — there  is  nothing 
more  agreeahle  to  American  patriotism — than  the 
contrast  he  draws  between  George  Fourth  and 
George  Washington,  in  the  conchision  of  this  lec- 
ture. Thackeray  describes  the  British  society  of 
George  IV. 's  day  in  most  unflattering  terms.  Its 
baseness,  profanity,  drunkenness,  and  other  unami- 
able  traits,  are  made  to  pass  before  you  ;  while  any 
number  of  "  piuk-satin-coats,"  "  under- waistcoats," 
"  nut-brown  wigs,"  ''cocked-hats,"  "pigtails,"  and 
enormous  "shoe-buckles" — things  not  very  majestic 
in  the  eye  of  reason — are  brought  into  relief,  to 
point  his  jests,  and  win  the  applause  of  the  audi- 
ence. Thackeray  "  will  never  be  shot  for  a  Puri- 
tan," as  Dr.  Summers .  remarked  of  some  one,  not 
long  since ;  still,  as  well  as  my  memory  serves, 
there  is  nothing  in  these  two  lectures  oflensive  to 
the  principles  of  orthodox  Protestants.  From  what 
I  have  heard,  I  am  free  to  say,  his  last  book  of  Lec- 
tures will  be  worth  reading  by  those  for  whom  it  is 
written. 

"Thackeray's  Ballads,"  a  book  of  228  pages, 
published  simultaneously  in  England  and  America, 
is  very  appropriately  styled  by  its  author,  a  "  little 
volume  of  verses."     Take  an  extract: 


100  PERSONAGES. 

TO    A    VERY    OLD    WOMAN. 

And  thoTi  wcrt  once  a  maiden  fair, 

A  blusliing  virpin,  warm  and  young, 
With  myrtles  wreathed  in  golden  hair, 
And  glossy  brow  that  knew  no  care — 
Upon  a  bridegroom's  arm  you  hung. 

The  golden  locks  arc  silvered  now, 
The  blushing  cheek  is  pale  and  wan ; 

The  spring  may  bloom,  the  autumn  glow, 

All's  one — in  chimney-corner  thou 
Sittcst  shivering  on. 

A  moment — and  thou  sink'st  to  rest  ! 
To  make,  perhaps,  an  angel  blesi. 

In  the  bright  presence  of  thy  Lord. 
O,  weary  is  life's  palli  ti)  all! 
Hard  is  the  strife,  and  liglit  the  fall. 

But  wondrous  the  reward  I 

Here  arc  the  concluding  stanzas  of  the  lasthalhul 
in  the  volume.  It  was  first  printc<l  at  the  end  of  a 
Christmas  Book,  1848 : 

THE    END     OF    THE     PLAY. 

So  eiicli  slirtll  mourn,  in  life's  advance, 

Dear  hopes,  dear  frien<ls,  untimely  killed; 
Shall  grieve  for  many  a  forfeit  chance. 

And  longing  i):ission  unfulfilled. 
Amen  !  whatever  fnle  be  sent. 

Pray  Ood  the  heart  may  kindly  glow. 
Although  the  head  with  cares  be  bent. 

And  whitened  with  the  winter  enow. 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  167 

Come  wealth  or  -want,  come  good  or  ill, 

Let  young  and  old  accept  their  part, 
And  how  before  the  Awful  Will, 

And  bear  it  with  an  honest  heart. 
Who  misses  or  who  wins  the  prize  ? 

Go  lose  or  conquer  as  you  can  : 
But  if  you  fail,  or  if  you  rise, 

Be  each,  pray  God,  a  gentleman. 

A  gentleman,  or  old  or  j'oung ! 

Bear  kindly  with  my  humble  lays; 
The  sacred  cliorus  first  was  sung 

Upon  the  first  of  Christmas  days : 
The  shepherds  heard  it  overhead, 

The  joyful  angels  raised  it  then: 
"Glory  to  Heaven  on  high,"  it  said, 

"And  peace  on  earth  to  gentlemen." 

My  song,  save  this,  is  little  worth  ; 

I  lay  the  weary  pen  aside. 
And  wish  you  healtli,  and  love,  and  mirth. 

As  fits  the  solemn  Christmas-tide. 
As  fits  the  holy  Christmas  birth, 

Be  this,  good  friends,  our  carol  still — 
Be  peace  on  earth,  be  peace  on  earth. 

To  men  of  gentle  will. 

Thackeray's  series  of  lectures  on  "  The  English 
Humorists  of  the  Eigliteenth  Century,"  were  de- 
livered at  home,  and  in  several  of  our  large  cities, 
during  the  winter  of  1852-3.  Swift,  Congreve,  Ad- 
dison, Steele,  Prior,  Gay,  Pope,  Hogarth,  Smollett, 
Fielding,  Sterne,  and  Goldsmith,  make  up  the 
"series."     The  works  of  these  great  wits  had,  for 


1G8  PERSONAGES. 

many  years,  occupied  tlie  undisturbed  corners  of 
publishing-houses  and  bookstores — had  been  mo- 
lested, only  occasionally,  by  solitary  spiders  and 
stray  book-worms,  until  Thackera3''s  first  visit  to 
New  York.  Then,  they  were  brought  out  of  pack- 
ing-rooms, displayed  in  show-cases,  bought  by  the 
people,  and  thoroughly  read.  Thackeray's  Lec- 
tures alFectcd  the  book-market,  and  changed  the 
reading  of  New  York  city,  for  a  whole  season. 

An  eminent  Scottish  divine  and  critic  says  of 
this  volume  of  lectures :  "As  a  readable  book, 
this  has  seldom  been  surpassed.  Whatever  quan- 
tity of  summer-salmon,  hotch-potch,  veal  pie,  and 
asparagus,  you  may  have  been  discussing,  and  how- 
ever dreary  you  may  feel  after  your  dinner,  Thack- 
eray's amusing  anecdotes  and  conversational  style 
will  keep  you  awake.  Next  to  Macaulay  and  Ilaz- 
litt,  he  is  the  most  entertaining  of  critics.  You 
read  his  lectures  with  quite  as  much  gusto  as  you 
do  Pendennis,  and  with  infinitely  more  than  you 
do  such  dull  mimicry  of  the  past  as  is  to  be  found 
in  Esmond.  Clever,  too,  of  course;  sagacious 
often,  and  sometimes  powerful,  are  his  criticisms; 
and  a  geniality  not  frequent  in  his  fictions  is  often 
here.  Sympathy  with  his  subjects  is  also  a  quality 
he  possesses  and  parades;    indeed,  he  appears  as 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  169 

one  born  out  of  his  proper  time ;  and  seems,  occa- 
sionally, to  sigh  for  the  age  of  big  wigs,  bagnios, 
and  sponging-houses.  Such  are,  we  think,  the  main 
merits  of  this  very  popular  volume." 

I  now  bid  farewell  to  the  kind-hearted  author 
of  the  History  of  Henry  Esmond,  and  The  Great 
Hoggarty  Diamond,  wishing  him  a  happy  life,  and 
heaven  at  last ;  and  praying  devoutly  that  his  twenty 
volumes  of  fiction  may  perish  beyond  redemption  ; 
and  willing  that  his  Georges,  and  Ballads,  and  Hu- 
morists ma}^  live. 

Thackeray  was  born  in  India.  Accompanied  his 
parents  to  England  when  a  boy.  Was  educated  for 
a  gentleman.  Has  a  genius  for  painting.  Spent  the 
early  part  of  his  life  in  amusing  himself — the  latter 
part  in  amusing  the  public.  He  denounces  gam- 
bling.    Lives  in  London. 

CONCLUSION   OF   THACKERAY'S   PORTRAIT   OF   KING 
GEORGE   III. 

King  George's  household  was  a  model  of  an  Eng- 
lish gentleman's  household.  It  was  early ;  it  was 
kindlj' ;  it  was  charitable  ;  it  was  frugal ;  it  was 
orderly ;  it  must  have  been  stupid  to  a  degree  which 
I  shudder  now  to  contemplate.  Ko  wonder  all  the 
princes  ran  away  from  the  lap  of  that  dreary  domes- 
6 


170  PERSONA  r.ES. 

tic  virtue.  It  always  rose,  rode,  dined,  at  stated 
intervals.  ])a3'  after  day  Mas  the  same.  At  the 
same  hour  at  night  the  king  kissed  his  daughter's 
jolly  cheeks ;  the  princesses  kissed  their  mother's 
hand ;  Madame  Thielke  hrought  the  royal  niglitoap. 
At  the  same  hour  the  equerries  and  women  in  wait- 
ing had  their  little  dinner,  and  cackled  over  their 
tea.  The  king  had  his  hackgammon  or  his  even- 
ing concert;  the  equerries  yawned  themselves  to 
death  in  the  ante-room  ;  or  the  king  and  his  family 
walked  on  AVindsor  slopes,  the  king  holding  his 
darling  little  Princess  Amelia  hy  the  hand  ;  and  the 
Eton  hoys  thrust  their  chuhby  cheeks  under  the 
crowd's  elbows ;  and  the  concert  over,  the  king 
never  failed  to  take  his  enormous  cocked  hat  oft*, 
and  salute  his  band,  and  say,  "  Thank  you,  gentle- 
men." 

A  quieter  household,  a  more  prosaic  life  than  this 
of  Kew  or  Windsor,  cannot  be  imagined.  Rain  or 
shine,  the  king  rode  every  day  for  hours ;  poked 
his  red  face  into  hundreds  of  cottages  round  about, 
and  showed  that  shovel  hat  and  Windsor  uniform 
to  farmers,  to  pig-boys,  to  old  women  making  apple- 
dumitlings ;  to  all  sorts  of  people,  gentle  and  simple, 
about  whom  countless  stories  are  told.  Nothing 
can  be  more  undiguilied  than  these  stories.    When 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  171 

Haroun  Alrascliid  visits  a  subject  incog.,  the  latter 
is  sure  to  be  very  much  the  better  for  the  caliph's 
magnificence.  Old  George  showed  no  such  royal 
splendor.  He  used  to  give  a  guinea  sometimes ; 
sometimes  feel  in  his  pockets  and  find  he  had  no 
money ;  often  ask  a  man  a  hundred  questions  about 
the  number  of  his  family,  about  his  oats  and  beans, 
about  the  rent  he  paid  for  his  house,  and  ride  on. 
On  one  occasion  he  played  the  part  of  King  Alfred, 
and  turned  a  piece  of  meat  with  a  string  at  a  cot- 
tager's house.  "When  the  old  woman  came  home, 
she  found  a  paper  with  an  enclosure  of  money,  and 
a  note  written  by  the  royal  pencil :  "  Five  guineas 
to  buy  a  jack."  It  was  not  splendid,  but  it  was 
kind  and  worthy  of  Farmer  George. 

One  day,  when  the  king  and  queen  were  walking 
together,  they  met  a  little  boy — they  were  always 
fond  of  children,  the  good  folks — and  patted  the 
little  white  head.  *'"S\^io8e  little  boy  are  you?" 
asked  the  "Windsor  uniform.  "I  am  the  king's 
beef-eater's  little  boy,"  replied  the  child.  On  which 
the  king  said,  "Then  kneel  down  and  kiss  the 
queen's  hand."  But  the  innocent  offspring  of  the 
l)eef-eater  declined  this  treat.  "No,"  said  he,  "I 
won't  kneel,  for  if  I  do  so  I  shall  spoil  my  new 
breeches."    The  thrifty  king  ought  to  have  hugged 


172  PERSONAGES. 

liim  and  knighted  liini  on  tlie  spot.  George's  ad- 
mirers wrote  pages  and  pages  of  such  stories  about 
hira.  One  morning,  before  anybody  else  was  up, 
the  king  walked  about  Gloucester  town  ;  pushed 
over  Molly  the  housemaid,  who  was  scrubbing  the 
door-steps,  with  her  pail ;  run  up  stairs  and  woke 
all  the  equerries  iu  their  bed-rooms ;  and  then  trotted 
down  to  the  bridge,  where,  by  this  time,  a  dozen  of 
louts  were  assembled.  *'T\Tiat!  is  this  Gloucester 
New  Bridge?"  asked  our  gracious  monarch.;  and 
the  people  answered  him,  "Yes,  your  Majesty." 
"Why,  then,  my  boys,"  said  he,  "let  us  have  a 
huzza!"  After  giving  them  which  intellectual 
gratification,  he  went  home  to  breakfast.  Our  fa- 
thers read  these  simple  tales  with  fond  pleasure ; 
laughed  at  these  very  small  jokes;  liked  the  old 
man  who  poked  his  nose  into  every  cottage ;  who 
lived  on  the  plain,  wholesome  roast  and  boiled  ; 
who  despised  your  French  kickshaws ;  who  was  a 
true,  hearty  old  English  gentleman.  You  may  have 
seen  Gilray's  famous  print  of  him,  in  the  old  wig, 
in  the  little  stout  old  hideous  Windsor  uniform,  as 
the  King  of  Brobdignag,  peering  at  a  little  Gul- 
liver, whom  he  holds  up  in  one  hand,  whilst  in  the 
other  he  has  an  opera-glass,  through  which  he  sur- 
veys the  pigmy.    Our  fathers  chose  to  set  up  George 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  173 

as  tlie  type  of  a  great  king,  and  the  little  Gulliver 
was  the  great  Napoleon.  We  prided  ourselves  on 
our  prejudices;  we  blustered  and  bragged  with  ab- 
surd vainglory  ;  we  dealt  to  our  enemy  a  monstrous 
injustice  of  contempt  and  scorn;  we  fought  him 
with  all  weapons,  mean  as  well  as  heroic.  There 
was  no  lie  we  would  not  believe ;  no  charge  of 
crime  which  our  furious  prejudice  would  not  credit. 
I  thought  at  one  time  of  making  a  collection  of  the 
lies  which  the  French  had  written  against  us,  and 
we  had  published  against  them  during  the  war ;  it 
would  be  a  strange  memorial  of  popular  falsehood. 
In  the  capital  Burney  Diary  and  Letters,  the 
home  and  court-life  of  good  old  King  George  and 
good  old  Queen  Charlotte  are  presented  at  porten- 
tous length.  The  king  rose  every  morning  at  six ; 
and  had  two  hours  to  himself.  He  thought  it  effemi- 
nate to  have  a  carpet  in  his  bed-room.  Shortly 
before  eight,  the  queen  and  the  royal  famil}^  were 
always  ready  for  him,  and  they  proceeded  to  the 
king's  chapel  in  the  castle.  There  were  no  fires 
in  the  passages;  the  chapel  was  scarcely  alight; 
princesses,  governesses,  equerries  grumbled  and 
caught  cold ;  but  cold  or  hot,  it  was  their  dut}-  to 
go,  and,  wet  or  dry,  light  or  dark,  the  stout  old 


174  PERSONAGES. 

George  was  always  in  his  place  to  say  Amcii  to  the 
chaplain. 

The  queen's  character  is  represented  in  13urney 
at  full  length.  She  was  a  sensible,  most  decorous 
woman ;  a  very  grand  lady  on  state  occasions,  simple 
enough  in  ordinary  life  ;  well  read  as  times  went, 
and  giving  shrewd  opinions  about  books;  stingy, 
but  not  unjust ;  not  generally  unkind  to  her  depend- 
ants, but  invincible  in  her  notions  of  etiquette,  and 
quite  angry  if  her  people  suffered  ill-health  in  her 
service.  She  gave  Miss  Burney  a  shabby  pittance, 
and  led  the  poor  young  woman  a  life  which  well- 
nigh  killed  her.  She  never  thought  but  that  she 
was  doing  liurney  the  greatest  favor,  in  taking  her 
from  freedom,  fame,  and  competence,  and  killing 
her  oil'  with  languor  in  that  dreary  court.  It  was 
not  dreary  to  her.  Had  she  been  servant  instead 
of  mistress,  her  spirit  would  never  have  broken 
down  ;  she  never  would  have  put  a  pin  out  of  place, 
or  been  a  moment  from  her  duty.  She  was  not 
weak,  and  she  could  not  pardon  those  who  were. 
She  was  perfectly  correct  in  life,  and  she  hated  poor 
sinners  with  a  rancor  such  as  virtue  sometimes  has. 
She  must  have  had  awful  private  trials  of  her  own ; 
not  merely  with  her  children,  but  with  her  husband, 


WM.     M.     THACKERAY.  175 

ill  those  long  days  about  wliicli  nobody  will  ever 
know  anj'^  thing  now,  when  he  was  not  quite  insane ; 
when  his  incessant  tongue  was  babbling  folly,  rage, 
persecution ;  and  she  had  to  smile,  and  be  respect- 
ful and  attentive  under  this  intolerable  ennui.  The 
queen  bore  all  her  duties  stoutly,  as  she  expected 
others  to  bear  them.  At  a  state  christening,  the 
lady  who  held  the  infant  was  tired,  and  looked  un- 
well, and  the  Princess  of  Wales  asked  permission 
for  her  to  sit  down.  "Let  her  stand,"  said  the 
queen,  flicking  the  snuff  off  her  sleeve.  She  would 
have  stood,  the  resolute  old  woman,  if  she  had  had 
to  hold  the  child  till  his  beard  was  grown.  "  I  'm 
seventy  years  of  age,"  the  queen  said,  facing  a  mob 
of  ruffians  who  stopped  her  sedan ;  "  I  have  been 
fifty  years  Queen  of  England,  and  I  never  was  in- 
sulted before."  Fearless,  rigid,  unforgiving  little 
queen  !  I  don't  wonder  that  her  sons  revolted  from 
her. 

From  November,  1810,  George  III.  ceased  to 
reign.  All  the  world  knows  the  story  of  his  mal- 
ady ;  all  history  presents  no  sadder  figure  than  that 
"f  the  old  man,  blind  and  deprived  of  reason,  wan- 
dering through  the  rooms  of  his  palace,  addressing 
imaginary  parliaments,  reviewing  fancied  troops, 
holding  ghostly  courts.     I  have  seen  his  picture  as 


k 


17G  PERSONAGES. 

it  was  taken  at  this  time,  hanging  in  the  apartment 
of  his  (laugliter,  tlie  Landgrave  of  Hesse  Ilomhourg 
— amidst  books  and  AVindsor  furniture,  and  a  Imn- 
dred  foreign  reminiscences  of  her  English  home. 
Tlie  poor  old  father  is  represented  in  a  purple  gown, 
his  snowy  beard  falling  over  his  breast — the  star  of 
his  famous  order  still  idly  shining  on  it.  He  was 
not  only  sightless — he  became  utterly  deaf.  All 
light,  all  reason,  all  sound  of  human  voices,  all  the 
pleasures  of  the  world  of  God,  were  taken  from 
him.  Some  slight  lucid  moments  he  had ;  in  one 
of  which,  the  queen,  desiring  to  see  him,  entered 
the  room,  and  found  him  singing  a  hymn,  and  ac- 
companying himself  on  the  harpsichord ;  when  he 
had  finished,  he  knelt  down  and  prayed  aloud  for 
her,  and  then  for  his  family,  concluding  with  a 
prayer  for  himself,  that  it  might  please  God  to  avert 
his  heavy  calamity  from  him ;  but  if  not,  to  give  him 
resignation  to  submit.  lie  then  burst  into  tears, 
and  his  reason  again  fled. 

What  preacher  need  moralize  on  this  story  ?  what 
words,  save  the  simplest,  are  requisite  to  tell  it  ?  It 
is  too  terrible  for  tears.  The  thought  of  such  a 
misery  smites  me  down  in  submission  before  the 
Kuler  of  kings  and  men,  the  Monarch  supreme  over 
empires  and  republics,  the  inscrutable  Dispenser  of 


WM.     M.    THACKERAY.  177 

life,  death,  happiness,  victory.  0  brothers  I  speak- 
ing the  same  mother  tongue — 0  comrades  !  enemies 
no  more,  let  us  take  a  mournful  hand  together  as  we 
stand  by  this  royal  corpse,  and  call  a  truce  to  battle  ! 
Low  he  lies  to  whom  the  proudest  used  to  kneel 
once,  and  avIio  was  cast  lower  than  the  poorest; 
dead,  whom  millions  prayed  for  in  vain.  Driven 
oft*  his  throne ;  buffeted  by  rude  hands,  with  his 
children  in  revolt ;  the  darling  of  his  old  age  killed 
before  him  untimely ;  our  Lear  hangs  over  her 
breathless  lips,  and  cries,  "  Cordelia,  Cordelia,  stay 
a  little  !" 

"  Vex  not  his  ghost — 0 !  let  him  pass — he  hates  him 
That  would  upon  the  rack  of  this  tough  world 
Stretch  him  out  longer." 

Hush  strife  and  quarrel  over  the  solemn  grave ! 
Sound,  trumpets,  a  mournful  march.  Fall,  Park 
curtain,  upon  his  pageant,  his  pride,  his  grief,  his 
awful  tragedy ! 


178  PERSON  AGTES. 


REV.    CHARLES    TAYLOR,  M.  D., 

THE    U  E  T  U  11  N  E  I)    .M  I  S  S  H)  N  A  11  Y  . 

Charles  Taylor  is  a  native  of  Boston,  Massa- 
chusetts, boru  about  thirty -six  years  ago.  ITis 
father  is  a  minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  superintended  the  early  education  of  his  son, 
in  his  own  academy,  in  the  interior  of  iSTcw  York. 
At  the  age  of  fifteen  Charles  Taylor  walked  to 
New  York  citj',  three  hundred  miles  distant,  and 
became  a  clerk  in  a  dry-goods  store.  A  few  months 
after  this,  his  employer  and  himself  professed  reli- 
gion, and  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
It  was  while  he  was  selling  goods  in  this  establish- 
ment that  he  delivered  the  speech  at  an  anniversary 
missionary  meeting  of  the  Duane  street  iSuuday- 
school,  which  called  forth  from  our  sagacious 
Bishop  Andrew  this  rcnuirk :  ''  The  little  fellow 
who  made  that  speech  will  be  a  Methodist  preacher 
some  of  these  days." 

Charles  Taylor  left  the  store,  and  went  to  his 


I 


REV.     CHARLES     TAYLOR,    M.D.  179 

father's  in  1836,  where  he  spent  the  summer 
reviewing  his  studies.  In  the  fall,  his  father,  a 
man  in  very  moderate  circumstances,  paid  his 
expenses  back  to  the  city,  when  he  entered  the 
University  of  New  York,  without  a  single  cent! 
Four  years  after  this,  at  the  annual  commencement 
of  1840,  with  a  healthy  body  and  a  stout  heart,  he 
graduated,  carrying  ofl*  the  first  honors  of  the 
University !  But  between  these  two  periods,  what 
loneliness  in  that  little  attic  -  room  in  Spring 
street — what  chilliness  on  that  scanty  cot-bed — 
what  shivering  under  light  blankets,  covered  with 
snow,  driven  through  a  broken  window — what 
livelong  nights  spent  in  constant  writing  in  gloomy 
printing  -  offices  —  what  emptiness  produced  by 
liunger  and  loss  of  sleep — what  prayers  went  up 
to  heaven  while  watching  the  premises  of  the 
University  "  at  dead  of  night" — what  brave  study- 
ing— wliat  perfect  reciting — what  pleasant  vacations 
spent  at  home  and  in  the  country ! 

The  story  is  an  interesting  one — by  far  the  most 
interesting  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  heard — but  time 
fails  me  to  tell  much  more.  Let  it  suffice,  that  at 
the  end  of  two  years  he  sustained  the  first  grade  in 
all  his  studies,  had  paid  his  own  way  without 
incurring  a  shilling's  debt,  and  had  a  small  surplus 


180  PERSONAGES. 

to  put  under  his  dear  old  mother's  plate  the  first 
time  they  all  sat  down  to  dine  together  after  his 
arrival  home.  At  the  close  of  the  fourth  year  he 
came  out  of  the  University  slightly  in  debt  for 
boarding,  a  bill  which  he  soon  paid  off  "to  the 
uttermost  farthing." 

Soon  after  his  graduation,  Charles  Taylor  went 
to  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  and  became  a 
teacher.  His  salary  here  soon  enabled  him  to 
"square  himself"  with  the  world,  and  make 
frequent  and  handsome  remittances  to  his  parents. 
"  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy 
God  givetli  thee."  At  the  session  of  the  South 
Carolina  Coufcrcncc,  held  in  Columbia,  December, 
1844,  he  was  admitted,  on  trial,  into  the  travelling 
connection  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South.  Bishop  Andrew  was  present,  and  no  doubt 
called  to  mind  the  prediction  he  had  made,  ten 
years  before,  in  the  city  of  New  York.  Camden 
Station  was  Brother  Taylor's  second  appointment. 
Here,  in  addition  to  his  studies  and  labors  as  a 
preacher  and  pastor,  he  read  medicine  under  the 
direction  and  tuition  of  the  eminent  Dr.  George 
Ileynolds.  Having  determined  on  a  foreign 
mission,  he  repaired  to  the  Bhiladelphia  College 


REV.    CHARLES     TAYLOR,    M.D.  181 

of  Medicine,  Dr.  James  M'Clintock,  President. 
Here  lie  took  his  medical  diploma,  with  distinction, 
March,  1848. 

Actually  Dr.  Taylor  must  acknowledge  that  he 
is  a  "fast  man."  He  received  his  M.D.  in  the  city 
of  Philadelphia;  married  Miss  Gamewell  in  the 
State  of  South  Carolina ;  was  ordained  elder  by 
Bishop  Andrew,  at  a  special  meeting  in  Norfolk, 
Virginia ;  and  sailed  from  Boston,  Massachusetts, 
for  Shanghai,  China — all  in  less  than  two  months, 
in  the  spring  of  1848  !  Here  is  a  man  that  eschews 
the  vitality  of  the  owl,  or  the  vivacity  of  the  work- 
ox.  Let  consecrated  stupidity  behold  him,  unfold 
its  hands,  elevate  its  head,  cease  to  whine,  and  go 
to  work ! 

Dr.  Taylor  has  performed  one  of  the  most  heroic 
journeys  known  in  the  history  of  missionary 
enterprise.  Before  Shanghai  had  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  insurgents,  he  set  his  heart  upon 
penetrating  as  far  as  the  insurgents'  camp  at  Chin- 
kiang-foo,  in  order  to  ascertain  what  were  the  real 
sentiments  of  the  invaders  in  reference  to  Chris- 
tianity, and  what  would  be  the  result  as  to  Chris- 
tian missions  should  they  finally  triumph.  This 
was  a  bold  and  dangerous  project,  for  the  city  was 
then  besieged  by  the  Imperialists,  both  by  land  and 


182  PERSONAGES. 

Avatcr;  and  if  ho  oven  succeeded  in  evadins:  their 
vigilance,  lie  know  not  what  reception  he  might 
expect  at  the  hands  of  the  insurgents.  But  he 
resolved  to  make  the  attempt,  and  God  prospered 
him,  and  preserved  him  in  safety. 

As  a  specimen  of  Dr.  Taylor's  style  as  a  talker, 
I  take  the  liberty  to  present  a  small  portion  of  his 
thrilling  description  of  this  adventure.  "  On  my 
way,"  he  says,  "as  I  passed  along,  I  frequently 
heard  the  sound  of  people  chanting ;  and  inquiring 
of  my  attendants  what  was  the  meaning  of  these 
sounds,  I  was  told  that  the  people  were  worshipping 
God,  and  that  it  was  the  hour  of  morning  worship. 
I  saw  idols  thrown  down  in  all  directions,  as  I 
passed  through  the  streets,  and  I  was  frequently 
saluted  by  the  term 'brother.'  This  was  perfectly 
new,  for  at  Canton  the  appellation  is  'foreign 
devil ;'  and  wliilc  walking  in  the  suburbs  of 
Canton  you  will  hoar  this  perhaps  a  hundred  times. 

"I  at  last  arrived  at  the  head-quarters;  and  after 
passing  through  a  number  of  gatewaj's,  on  either 
side  of  which  were  curtains  of  yellow  silk,  and  a 
great  deal  of  embroidered  drapery  of  various  kinds, 
for  a  distance  of  upwards  of  three  or  four  hundred 
yards  from  the  street,  I  came  at  last  to  the  inner 
recess,  and  there  I  was  requested  to  sit.     Again  I 


REV.     CHARLES     TAYLOR,    M.D.  183 

was  interrogated  as  to  my  object,  but  I  said  I  must 
communicate  with  tlie  chief.  He  presently  made 
his  appearance,  but  owing  to  tlie  simplicity  of  his 
dress,  I  for  some  time  doubted  whether  he  was  the 
chief.  In  order  to  remove  my  doubts,  he  took  his 
scat  in  the  middle  of  the  hall,  and  his  attendants 
arrayed  him  in  his  robes.  And  when  I  was  per- 
suaded he  was  the  man,  I  opened  my  carpet-bag, 
spread  before  him  the  Gospels,  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles,  and  some  tracts,  and  told  him  the  object 
of  my  visit,  which  was  to  give  him  a  complete 
knowledge  of  the  doctrines  of  Christianity.  He 
seemed  grateful  for  the  books,  and  entertained  me 
hospitably. 

"  The  hour  of  breakfast  was  approaching,  and 
they  had  morning  prayer  before  breakfast.  He 
and  his  attendants  were  seated  in  this  large  hall, 
on  cushioned  chairs.  One  individual  read  a  portion 
of  Scripture,  and  then  they  chanted  some  hymns, 
which  the  leader  prol)ably  liad  composed.  At  the 
close  of  these  hymns  I  noticed  that  they  chanted  a 
literal  translation  of  the  Doxology.  After  this 
they  all  took  their  cushions,  placed  them  on  the 
pavement,  kneeled  on  them,  closing  their  eyes  and 
lifting  up  their  faces  towards  heaven,  while  the 
secretary  of  the  chief  read  a  prayer.     At  the  close 


184  PERSONAGES. 

of  this  we  proceeded  to  breakfast  in  the  adjoining 
hall. 

"As  a  guest,  it  would  have  been  etiquette  to 
have  commenced  with  my  '  chop-sticks'  first ;  but  I 
waited,  thinking  they  would  ask  a  blessing.  This 
I  told  them ;  when  they  informed  me  it  was  their 
custom,  but  it  had  been  included  in  the  previous 
prayer.  I  explained  to  them  that  it  was  not  exactly 
our  course,  and  asked  to  be  allowed  to  do  so ;  which 
they  requested  me  to  do,  and  I  did  it  accordingly 
in  Chinese." 

Dr.  Taylor  became  fully  acquainted  with  the 
military  resources  and  ability  of  the  insurgent 
army,  and  entertained  at  the  time  a  strong  convic- 
tion of  their  ultimate  success.     lie  said: 

"  I  ascertained  that  these  people  were  sincere 
worshippers  of  the  one  true  God;  that  they  had 
sworn  the  extermination  of  idolatry  in  every  form  ; 
that  they  were  exceedingly  friendly  to  foreigners ; 
and  expressed  themselves  desirous  of  becoming 
more  instructed  in  Christianity,  only  the  difficulties 
at  present  were  so  great,  that  they  thought  I  had 
better  wait  for  some  months.  This  movement  has 
for  its  object  the  overthrow  of  the  Tartar  dynasty, 
and  the  establishment  of  the  old  Chinese  govern- 
ment.    Tlierefore,  it  is  strictly    a  patriotic  move- 


REV.     CHARLES    TAYLOR,    M.D.  185 

mcnt ;  and  we  are  in  the  habit,  in  China,  rather  of 
calling  them  'patriots'  than  '  insurgents.'  " 

Many  of  us  have  changed  our  views  somewhat 
of  the  character  of  the  Chinese  revolutionists  and 
their  leader  since  Dr.  Taylor  wrote  the  paragraphs 
above.  AYe  think  Christianity  has  not  quite  as 
much  to  hope  from  the  Chinese  revolution  as  it 
had  a  few  years  ago.  We  shall  rejoice  greatly  if 
the  future  develops  that  we  are  wrong  in  this 
opinion.  If  Dr.  Taylor  has  modified  his  views 
materially,  and  my  readers  are  anxious  to  know  in 
what  respect,  they  are  referred  to  two  or  three 
interesting  articles  which  appeared  during  the  year, 
in  the  Southern  Christian  Advocate. 

In  consequence  of  the  prostrate  condition  of  his 
wife's  health,  Dr.  Taylor  has  spent  the  last  two 
years  in  the  United  States.  He  employs  himself 
in  itinerating  through  the  Southern  States,  creating 
much  sympathy  and  interest  for  China,  lifting 
collections  for  the  support  of  our  brethren  at 
Shanghai,  attending  the  annual  commencements 
and  literary  festivals  of  our  colleges,  and  writing 
articles  for  the  weekly  and  monthly  publications  of 
the  Church  and  country.  His  contributions  are 
generally  made  up  of  notes  of  travel,  and  are 
written   in   rather  a  fresh  style,  occupying  about 


186  PERSONAGES. 

tlie  middle  ground  between  the  careless  and  the 
classical. 

Tlie  personal  appearance  of  Dr.  Taylor  indicates 
that  tlic  sturdy  little  man  might  have  accomplished 
just  what  he  actually  has  accomplished.  lie  has  a 
large  head,  not  quite  covered  with  unkept  "foxy" 
hair;  a  round  face,  lit  up  with  steady  bright  eyes, 
that  seem  to  look  "  right  on  ;"  a  speaking  mouth — 
that  is,  a  mouth  that  can  speak,  and  does  speak  a 
great  deal  —  to  the  point  too.  "  Truth  is  no 
eloquence  without  words;  eloquence  is  not  wisdom 
laid  up  in  the  iiiiiid,  hut  wisdom  in  action."  Ilis 
voice  is  well  toned,  but  not  sufficiently  animated. 
In  social  conversation  he  is  too  rapid,  in  public 
speech  too  slow.  His  body  is  built  for  strength 
and  incredible  endurance ;  and  there  is  a  sort  of 
dare-any-thing-ism  in  his  tread. 

I  met  Avith  Dr.  Taylor  last  April,  in  Nashville, 
Tenuessee;  had  him  under  my  observation  in  the 
Railroad  Depot  —  in  the  Methodist  Publishing 
House,  where  he  was  sauntering  around  like  a 
separate  existence — at  the  sumptuous  dining  which 
William  R.  I'.lliston  gave  the  Bishops  and  others — 
at  the  tea-party  which  Mrs.  Dr.  Huston  gave  to  the 
"press-gang,"  and  others  more  or  less  noticeable — 
at    the    McKendree    Church  —  in   the   Missionarj' 


REV.     CHARLES     TAYLOR,     M.D.  187 

Board — and  on  the  platform ;  and  as  Dr.  Wightman 
has  said,  "  He  is  one  of  the  noblest  developments 
of  self-sustaining  energy  and  patient  perseverance 
which  have  ever  come  under  my  observation.  And 
I  am  persuaded  that  no  young  man,  struggling  with 
difficulties,  bent  on  acquiring  an  education,  resolved 
to  be  something  and  to  do  something  which  shall 
lead  to  usefulness  and  influence  in  the  world,  can 
study  a  worthier  lesson  than  Dr.  Taylor  furnishes." 

"  Let  us,  then,  be  up  and  doing, 
With  a  lieart  for  any  fate  : 
Still  achieving,  still  pursuing, 
Learn  to  labor  and  to  wait." 

St.  Louis,  Nov.  15,  1855. 


188  PERBONAGES. 


JENKINS   AND    CUNNYNGIIAM, 

A     BRACE     OF     MISSIONARIES. 

It  was  in  September,  1853.  ^Ve  were  in  the 
town  of  Franklin,  Tennessee.  The  Tennessee  Con- 
ference had  assembled  there.  All  the  preachers 
and  many  of  the  people  met  one  morning  in  the 
Christian  Church.  The  late  accomplished  Bishoi> 
Capers  was  in  the  chair.  Johnson,  secretary.  "Do 
you  see  that  short,  heavy  man ;  with  a  red-ish 
head  ;  fine,  large  English  face ;  who  wears  a  stand- 
ing collar,  white  cravat,  black  clothes,  and  sits  back 
among  the  spectators,  yonder,  with  Brother  Kelly  ?" 
said  I  to  my  friend  Sawrie.  "  AVho  's  he  ?"  "  That 
is  the  Kev.  Dr.  Jenkins,  from  China.  I  spent  an 
evening  with  him  not  long  since,"  was  the  ropl}'. 
I  thought  within  myself:  "  Well  !  there  is  a  great 
deal  more  of  the  well-conditioned  and  the  well-fed 
about  your  free-and-easy,  fat  and  social  appearance, 
than  there  is  of  the  foreign  missionary." 

But,  apijearances  aside,  Kev.  Benjamin  Jenkins, 


JEN      INS     AND     CUNNYNGHAM.  189 

D.  D.,  is  one  of  "tlic  few,  the  immortal  names." 
I  want  to  call  liim  Rev.  Polyglot  Jenkins ;  for  lie 
reads  Hebrew,  Greek,  Latin,  French,  Spanish,  Ger- 
man, English — and  how  many  Chinese  dialects  I 
do  not  know !  If  Elihii  Burritt,  Esq. — who  ought 
to  be  denominated  the  "Acquaintance  of  the  An- 
cient Classics  through  the  medium  of  translators" 
— is  entitled  to  the  appellation  of  "Learned  Black- 
smith," surely  none  will  deny  to  Dr.  Jenkins  the 
name  of  "Learned  Printer."  He  is  a  native  of 
Newfoundland,  about  forty  years  of  age,  and  has 
spent  most  of  his  life,  I  understand,  in  a  printing- 
office.  He  has  been  in  the  ministry  about  eight 
years — was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  Andrew,  at  a 
meeting  held  for  that  purpose,  at  Norfolk,  Virginia, 
in  the  spring  of  1848,  and,  with  his  family,  sailed 
from  Boston,  Massachusetts,  for  Shanghai,  China, 
April  24th,  1848. 

Dr.  Jenkins,  as  well  as  Dr.  Taylor,  engaged  to 
remain  in  China  at  least  ten  years.  On  his  arrival, 
he  devoted  himself  to  the  acquisition  of  the  Chi- 
nese language,  and  meanwhile  made  himself  useful 
through  the  medium  of  an  interpreter.  He  turned 
part  of  his  house  into  a  cliapel,  and  soon  liad  an 
attentive  and  interesting  congregation,  and  a  few 
souls  became  deeply  coucerned  for  their  salvation ; 


190  PERSONAGES. 

one  of  whom,  in  particular,  has  begun  to  he  useful. 
Accompanied  l»y  this  native  preacher,  Liew-scen- 
sang,  he  also  established  regular  preaching  in  the 
open  air,  at  the  principal  place  of  resort  in  the  city. 
Dr.  .Jenkins  ought  to  be  well  supported.  lie  ought 
to  have  a  good  building  for  a  church,  and  another 
for  a  school.     Give  him  a  printing-press  also. 

Early  in  the  year  1853,  he  and  a  part  of  his  fam- 
ily arrived  in  the  United  States.  His  afflicted  wife 
left  China  with  him ;  but  was  taken  to  her  eternal 
rest  on  the  way.  It  was  the  hope  of  restoring  Mrs. 
Jenkins  that  induced  her  husband  to  visit  the 
United  States.  Dr.  Jenkins  was  not  idle  during 
liis  stay  with  us,  but  rendered  himself  exceedingly 
useful.  lie  published  long  lists  of  appointments 
in  our  Church  papers,  and  met  them — travelled 
through  more  than  half  of  the  Annual  Conferences 
of  the  Southern  Chuicli,  and  was  present  at  their 
sessions.  Besides,  he  attended  Sunda3--school  anni- 
versaries—  anniversaries  of  Auxiliary  Missionary 
Societies  —  college  commencements,  and  camp- 
meetings,  "not  a  few."  lie  came  nearer  to  our 
ideas  of  omnipresence,  I  opine,  than  any  man  that 
ever  travelled  thtough  the  Southern  States.  lie 
drew  larger  crowds,  too,  than  any  other  returned 
missionary ;    for,  in   addition  to  his  iine  personal 


JENKINS     AND     CUNNYNGIIAM.  191 

appearance,  and  readiness  as  a  polished  lecturer, 
and  rolls  of  gorgeous  maps,  and  box  after  box  of 
Chinese  gods,  he  was  always  accompanied  by  his 
live  Chinaman,  arrayed  in  "cerulean  blue"  linen — 
as  Philip  S.  White  would  say — "  to  illustrate."  At 
the  annual  commencement  of  Emory  College,  in 
Georgia,  for  the  summer  of  1853,  Dr.  G.  F.  Pierce 
being  President,  Rev.  Benjamin  Jenkins  received 
the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity. 

Dr.  Jenkins  has  furnished  us  and  our  children 
with  more  information  respecting  the  mythology 
and  worship  of  the  Chinese,  than  any  other  of  our 
missionaries.  This  he  has  done  through  the  Sunday- 
school  Visitor,  whose  columns  he  enriched,  during 
the  editorial  career  of  Dr.  Summers,  more  than  any 
other  contributor.  I  have  but  one  objection  to  the 
contributions  and  lectures  of  Dr.  Jenkins ;  and,  as 
I  have  never  stated  it  before,  impartiality  demands 
that  I  should  state  it  here  :  they  are  not  sufficiently 
spiritual — at  least  for  a  missionary. 

A  very  pleasant  episode,  I  apprehend,  in  the 
eventful  life  of  our  subject,  was  his  visit  to  "the 
town  among  the  cedars,"  in  the  fall  of  1853. 
While  Ne  Quay  and  the  rest  of  us  travelled  side- 
ways, in  an  omnibus,  the  portly  Doctor  came  on 
face  foremost,  in  a  carriage,  his  ears  receiving  sage 


192  PERSONAGES. 

advice,  the  while,  from  one  every  way  capahle  of 
imparting  it.  And  in  town,  while  some  of  us  were 
nursinc;  cripjilcd  feet — the  reward  of  leaping  from 
the  top  of  a  stage-coach,  and  alighting  on  a  turn- 
pike road,  about  midnight — he  was  taking  the  eyes, 
heads,  and  hearts — purses  too — of  about  five  hun- 
dred people,  with  two  of  those  "invincible"  lec- 
tures. While  some  of  us  were  preparing,  at  the 
request  of  two  Bishops,  to  remove  to  St.  Louis,  he 
was  making  a  "small  experiment,"  in  the  way  of 
getting  off  for  the  "Middle  Kingdom."  I  call  no 
names,  but  quietly  quote  from  Pope  : 

"  The  proper  study  of  mankind  is  Man." 

In  the  year  1854,  after  attending  the  farewell 
missionary  meeting  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  and 
taking  to  his  side  a  missionary  wife  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  Dr.  Jenkins  sailed  for  Shanghai  a 
second  time. 

Rev.  AVilijam  G.  E.  Cunningham. — Conceive  a 
small  man  —  youth  rather  —  weigliing  a  little  up- 
wards of  one  hundred  pounds,  with  polished  boots, 
a  checked  waistcoat,  frock  coat,  fancy  cravat,  straw 
hat  in  his  hand,  a  mild,  clear  eye,  smooth  feminine 
face,  and  an   orator's  mouth,  a  little  soiled  with 


JENKINS     AND     CUNNYNGHAM.  193 

tobacco-juice ;  seated  in  the  window  of  a  church, 
and  speaking  gravely  with  a  few  young  preachers, 
while  Bishop  Andrew  is  driving  on  the  business  of 
the  Holston  Annual  Conference,  and  you  have 
before  you  Brother  Cunnyngham,  as  I  saw  him 
first,  in  Athens,  Tennessee,  September,  1845.  For 
three  or  four  years,  while  I  was  in  school,  I  had 
been  receiving  letters  from  my  brother,  almost 
every  one  of  which  contained  a  few  paragraphs  in 
praise  of  the  person,  the  piety,  the  zeal,  the  intel- 
lect, the  oratory,  and  great  popularity  of  a  young 
preacher,  named  Cunnyngham ;  but  it  did  not 
occur  to  me  then,  that  the  mere  boy,  seated  in  the 
window,  beyond  the  bar  of  the  Conference-room, 
•was  he.  I  took  him  for  a  dry-goods  clerk,  willing, 
possibly,  to  learn  something  beyond  bows  and  posi- 
tions, and  driving  buggies  by  moonlight. 

I  saw  Brother  Cunnyngham  last,  a  few  years 
before  he  sailed  for  China.  The  woods  were  alive 
with  horses  and  oxen — the  servants  were  tearing 
and  turning  things  in  every  direction  about  the 
camps — the  tramp  of  many  feet  was  heard — the 
hum  of  busy  voices  arose  from  little  clumps  of 
spectators  that  had  gathered  upon  the  encamp- 
ment— Christian  hearts  were  beating  "  high  and 
warm" — praises  went  up  like  the  "  sound  of  many 


104  r  r  R  s  0  N  A  (1  E  s . 

waters" — penitents  wept  and  i)rayed  at  the  altar; 
but  above  all,  the  clear,  well-toned,  and  well-trained 
voice  of  Brother  Cunnyngham  arose,  as  he  sung 
the  hymn  commencing, 

"0  niiiy  wc  meet  in  heaven." 

He  was  closing  the  services  of  a  successful  camp- 
niceting.  The  tones  of  that  voice  linger  in  the  ear 
of  memory  to  this  day,  and  the  appearance  of  his 
dear  and  venerable  father,  as  he  stood  at  tlio  right 
hand  of  the  i)ulpit,  and  looked  upon  the  scene — 
one  tear  stealing  tremblingly  after  another  down 
his  furrowed  cheeks — is  before  me  now  as  it  was 
then. 

Pardon  me,  reader.  Tlie  young  n^an  who  liad 
preached  the  farewell  sermon  that  Tuesday  morn- 
ing was  a  native  East  Tennesseean.  He  had  been 
trying  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  only  a  few 
months.  For  reasons  which  were  sulticient  to  his 
mind  then  —  for  reasons  which  the  judgment  of 
maturer  years  now  justifies  —  he  was  se})arating 
himself  from  the  land  of  his  childhood  and  youth 
for  time  and  eternity.  lie  was  now  several  miles 
nearer  the  "Great  AVest"  —  the  glory  of  whose 
future  developments  and  triumphs  he  fondl}"  hoped 
to  wituosB — than  he  had  ever  been  before.     In  the 


JENKINS     AND     CUNNYNGHAM.  195 

rural  assembly  before  him,  there  shone  the  face  of 
a  young  Christian  woman — then  wholly  unknown 
to  him — who  was  in  a  few  months  to  become  the 
companion  of  his  joys  and  sorrows,  his  travels  and 
toils,  through  life.  More  than  eight  years  have  fled 
away  since  that  morning.  The  hand  of  that  young 
preacher  holds  this  pen,  and  the  face  of  that  Chris- 
tian woman  lights  up  the  other  side  of  this  table, 
with  smiles  of  approval,  for  this  honest  effort  to  tell 
the  homely  story  of  our  nuptials;  and  the  single 
pledge  of  our  matrimonial  happiness  that  remains 
on  earth  breathes  deep  and  peacefully,  while  we  are 
both  recounting 

"The  smiles,  the  tears  of  boyhood's  years, 
The  words  of  love  then  spoken." 

Brother  Cunnyngham  remained  in  the  Holston 
Conference  about  ten  years  ;  and  no  young  man  in 
that  country  ever  enjoyed  a  wider  popularity,  sus- 
tained by  "gifts,  grace,  and  usefulness,"  than  he. 
I  have  a  mind  to  express  the  opinion  that,  had  he 
lived  and  preached  in  the  days  of  Summerfield,  he 
would,  to  a  considerable  extent,  have  shared  the 
public  attention  and  affection  with  that  extraor- 
dinary young  man.  Converted,  called  of  God  to 
preach  the  gospel,  watching  "in  all  things,"  "en- 


196  PERSONAGES. 

during  afflictions,"  doing  "the  work  of  an  evangel- 
ist," making  "  full  i)roof  of  his  ministry,"  Brotlier 
Cunuyngliani  exerted  a  wonderful  influence  among 
the  masses  and  the  minds  of  East  Tennessee  and 
Western  Virginia. 

To  announce  an  old  text,  which,  like  the  first 
Psalm,  may  be  denominated  "  every  preacher's 
text" — to  announce  the  same  old  divisions,  which 
more  than  a  score  of  other  preachers  have  done, 
from  the  same  passage  of  Scripture,  in  the  same 
pulpit,  to  the  same  congregation — and  then  hold, 
and  entertain,  and  instruct  an  assembly,  is  almost 
an  impossibility.  Yet  AVilliam  G.  E.  Ounnyngham 
can  do  this.  One  of  the  freshest,  most  interesting, 
most  instructive,  and  most  eloquent  sermons  which 
the  citizens  of  Athens,  Tennessee,  ever  heard,  was 
delivered  by  him  from  this  text,  and  these  divi- 
sions, viz. : 

Text.— " AVluit  think  ye  of  Christ?" 
Divisions.— I.  "As  a  Prophet?" 
II.  "As  a  Priest?" 
III.  "As  a  King?" 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  son  of  the  Rev. 
Jesse  Cunnyngham,  of  Midway,  Tennessee.  The 
father  is  an  intelligent,  }>atriarclial  man  ;  was  for 
many  years  a  laborious  and  influential  member  of 


JENKINS    AND     CUNNYNGHAM.  197 

the  Ilolston  Annual  Conference,  in  whicli  he 
attained  to  the  office  of  Presiding  Elder.  His 
name  still  stands  among  the  "superannuated." 
He  brought  up  his  son  on  a  farm,  and  gave  him  a 
fair  English  education.  Both  father  and  son  have 
for  years  enriched  the  columns  of  our  Church 
periodicals  with  pleasing  letters  and  profitable  con- 
tributions. Indeed,  the  son,  while  he  is  the  most 
eloquent  preacher,  is,  at  the  same  time,  the  most 
captivating  letter- writer  we  have  in  China.  We 
find  in  his  letters  a  terseness  of  style,  an  opulence 
of  statistics,  an  acquaintance  with  governmental 
aflfairs,  an  appreciation  of  the  influence  of  an 
ancient  worship  upon  the  minds  of  the  Chinese, 
and  an  earnest  longing  after  the  salvation  of  the 
heathen,  not  exhibited  in  the  letters  of  some 
others. 

The  wife  of  Brother  Cunnyngham  is  a  Virginia 
lady,  brought  up  in  the  town  of  Abingdon,  and 
educated  at  the  famous  Science  Hill  Female  Acad- 
emy, at  Shelbyville,  Kentucky,  under  the  steady 
hand,  and  practiced  eye,  and  governing  will  of  the 
queen  of  Southern  teachers.  The  countenance  of 
Mrs.  Tevis  must  grow  bright,  and  her  heart  warm, 
as  she  reads  the  reports  that  reach  us  of  her  fair 
pupil,   and  her  missionary  -  school,    in   Shanghai. 


198  PERSONAGES.  * 

May  tlic  pupil  live  as  long  as  her  accomplished  pre- 
ceptress has  lived,  and  be  instrumental  in  accom- 
plishing as  much  for  her  sex  and  the  Church  of 
God!  Brother  Cunnyngham  and  wife  sailed  in 
1852. 

"Perhaps  in  some  far  future  laml 

Wc  yet  may  meet,  we  yet  may  dwell; 
If  not,  from  off  this  mortal  strand, 
Immortals — Fare  thee  well .'" 

St.  Loris,  Dec.  IG,  1855. 


KELLEY,  BELTON,  AND  LAM  BUTE.  199 


KELLEY,    BELTON,    AND   LAMBUTII, 

A    TRIO     OF     MISSIONARIES. 

Rev.  David  Campbell  Kelley,  M.  D.,  is  ouc  of 
"the  Sons  of  our  Sires."  Did  Elkanah  and 
Hannali  prove  a  blessing  to  Israel  by  the  training 
up  of  such  a  child  as  Samuel  ?  Do  all  Christian 
ages  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  grandmother, 
Lois,  and  the  mother,  Eunice,  for  such  a  character 
as  Timothy  ?  Yes  !  And  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South,  does  not  forget  the  Rev.  John 
Kelley,  of  Lebanon,  Tennessee,  and  his  Christian 
wife,  Mrs.  M.  L.  Kelley,  when  they  think  of  this 
heroic  young  missionary. 

Two  kindred  assertions  have  been  afloat  in  the 
world  for  many  years — "  The  children  of  religious 
people  are  much  worse  than  other  children ;" 
"The  minister's  children  are  always  the  worst 
children  in  the  neighborhood."  This  stale  slander 
usually  comes  from  brainless  people,  who  are 
wholly  innocent  of  those  correct  conclusions  which 


200  PERSONAGES. 

result  from  careful  observation.  On  the  tongues 
of  the  more  sensible  and  enlightened  these  asser- 
tions seem  to  be  studied  falsehoods.  Behold  the 
fathers  and  mothers  of  our  whole  band  of  mission- 
aries to  China — the  parents  of  their  wives  also — 
and  then  cease  to  retail  a  slander — not  the  result  of 
your  own  powers  or  means  of  observation,  but 
which  has  passed  through  a  thousand  weak  and 
wicked  heads  before  it  ever  entered  yours !  Go 
into  any  city  of  the  land,  and  select  fifty  families 
whose  fathers  and  mothers  are  both  consistently 
pious,  and  among  the  children  "  who  have  come  to 
years  of  discretion,"  you  will  find  that  a  majority 
are  pious,  or  seeking  so  to  be.  Then  take  the  same 
number  of  families  where  only  one  of  the  parents 
is  religious,  the  other  irreligious,  and  you  will 
ascertain  that  a  minority  of  the  children  arc  reli- 
gious. After  this,  go  into  fifty  families  of  children 
whose  fathers  and  mothers  are  all  unconverted,  and 
of  necessity  sinners,  and  you  will  oiilymeetwithafew 
professing  faith  in  Christ,  and  living  devoted  lives. 
Do  not  content  yourself  with  simply  denying  these 
statements :  investigate,  and  then  base  your  denial 
upon  your  investigations.  I  know  a  minister  who 
w^ent  out  into  a  large  city,  took  the  families  as  they 
lived  along  each  street,  fifty  of  the  first  class,  fifty 


KELLEY,  BELTON,  AND  LAM  BUT  II.  201 

of  the  second  class,  and  fifty  of  tlic  third  class,  and 
his  investigations  confirmed  the  correctness  of  the 
statements  written  in  this  paragraph. 

The  children  of  pious  parents  are  known  and 
observed,  and  something  good  is  expected  of  them. 
The  children  of  ministers  of  the  gospel  are  usually 
better  known  and  more  closel}^  scrutinized  than 
other  children ;  and  they  are  expected  to  be 
patterns  of  propriety  and  models  of  goodness. 
But,  once  in  a  while,  a  daughter  becomes  thought- 
less and  imi)rudent;  or  a  son,  in  his  wickedness, 
becomes  almost  as  extensively  known  as  the  father 
in  his  faithfulness ;  and  straightway  silly  men  and 
women  include  the  prudent  with  the  imprudent, 
the  pious  with  the  impious,  and  pronounce  sentence 
against  them  all.  "  Pious  people  always  bring  up 
wicked  children!"  "Ministers'  children  are  sure 
to  be  the  worst  children  in  the  neighborhood !" 

Dr.  Kelley  had  received  his  A.  B.  and  A.  M. 
from  Cumberland  University,  at  Lebanon,  Ten- 
nessee ;  his  M.  D.  from  the  j^ashville  University ; 
and  his  deacon's  and  elder's  jjflrchments  from  the 
Tennessee  Conference,  Bishop  Capers  presiding, 
before  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  merited 
all  these,  too,  not  in  consequence  of  any  unusual 
7 


202  PERSONAGES. 

precocity,  or  wliat  tlic  world  calls  "genius,"  but 
because  lie  had  applied  himself  regularly,  under 
the  direction  of  his  father  and  mother,  and  the 
instructors  whom  they  had  selected,  for  at  least 
twelve  years,  to  literary,  scientific,  and  theological 
Btudics.  And  I  may  say  here,  that  Dr.  Kelley  is 
what  he  is,  despite  one  of  the  greatest  hindrances — 
a  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  he  was  the  only  child 
of  wealthy  parents. 

In  the  fall  of  1852,  when  he  was  presented  before 
the  Tennessee  Annual  Conference,  at  Pulaski,  for 
admission  on  trial  into  the  travelling  connection. 
Bishop  Andrew  asked  how  he  preached.  His 
presiding  elder,  Kev.  Dr.  Green,  replied:  "Bishop, 
he  preaches  like  a  man  who  had  been  at  it  for  about 
twenty  years."  I  have  heard  Dr.  Kelley  frecpiently, 
in  school -liouses,  in  village  churches,  at  camp- 
meetings,  and  this  is  the  best  description  of  the 
style,  and  matter,  and  elleet  of  his  preaching  that 
can  be  given  ;  provided,  that  the  man  who  has 
been  "at  it"  twenty  years,  preaches  well.  Jlis 
mental  equipoise,  his  calmness,  and  even  gravity  of 
manner,  his  steady  How  of  correct  language,  the 
solidity  and  usefulness  of  his  matter,  the  philoso- 
phical   correctness    and    rigid    orthodoxy    of    hia 


KELLEY,  BELTON,  AND  LAM  BUT  11.  203 

Opinions,  the  practical  bearing  of  his  sermons,  and 
the  ahnost  perfect  propriety  of  his  private  life,  arc 
all  those  of  a  preacher  ninch  older  than  himself. 

He  has  a  little  fondness  for  controversy.  His 
mother  says  that  when  he  was  a  small  boy,  she  used 
to  send  him  to  mill ;  that  he  generally  stayed  a 
long  time,  discussing  the  subject  of  baptism  with 
the  miller,  who  was  a  Baptist  brother;  and  that 
when  he  returned  home,  after  laying  dow^n  the 
meal,  he  laid  the  arguments,  on  both  sides,  before 
his  mother,  for  her  decision.  It  is  hoped  that  the 
religious  opinions  and  practices  of  the  Chinese  will 
afford  him  a  field  sufficient!}'  ample  for  the  cultiva- 
tion of  this  talent.  David,  have  you  seen  the 
emperor  yet,  on  the  subject  of  temperance,  and  laid 
before  him  the  provisions  of  a  prohibitory  liquor  law 
for  the  eighteen  provinces?  Time  you  had  seen 
the  old  gentleman  !  Recollect,  you  and  I  failed  to 
get  our  prohibition  candidates,  Gleaves  and  Turner, 
into  the  Tennessee  Legislature,  in  1853,  notwith- 
standing we  were  eloquent  from  Lent  to  the  Hog- 
Days,  before  the  sovereign  people  of  "  Old  "Wilson." 
Vou  must  put  the  "Bill"  through  in  China! 

If  there  be  any  person  in  China  who  docs  not 
wish  to  know  wliatever  is  thought  to  be  wrong  in 
his  heart  or  life,  he  had  better  not  become  too 


204  PERSON  AOES. 

intimate  with  our  young  missionary,  for  he  will 
remonstrate  with  liim  in  the  plainest  and  most 
faitliful  manner.  Dr.  Kelley  will,  perhaps,  weigh 
something  over  one  hundred  pounds ;  was  licensed 
to  preach  in  1852,  ordained  in  October,  1853 ; 
married  an  accomplished  and  pious  young  lady, 
near  Florence,  Alabama,  in  1854;  and  sailed  from 
New  York  for  Shanghai  a  few  months  thereafter. 
Since  then,  the  missionary  band  has  been  strength- 
ened by  the  addition  of  Miss  Mary  Kelley.  Dr. 
Kelley  is  not  yet  twenty-three  years  of  age. 

Rev.  James  S.  Belton,  A.  M.,  was  born  in  New- 
herry  District,  South  Carolina,  on  the  Tth  of  Sep- 
tember, 1833.  In  the  winter  of  1839,  his  parents 
removed  to  Lowndes  county,  Mississippi,  and 
settled  thirteen  miles  south-west  of  Columbus, 
where  they  still  reside.  He  belongs  to  a  fixmily  of 
twelve  children,  only  live  of  Avhmu  are  living,  lie 
was  converted,  and  made  a  public  profession  of 
religion,  on  the  19th  of  August,  1850,  and  joined 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  imme- 
diately. On  the  24th  of  September  following  he 
exiierienced  the  sanctif^'ing  grace  of  God.  He 
entered  the  Sophomore  Class  in  La  Grange  Col- 
lege— Dr.  Wadsworth,  president — in  January,  1851. 
Here  he  graduated  with  honor,  in  June,  1853. 


KELLEY,     BELTON,    AND    LAMBUTH.     205 

August  23(1,  1851,  Brother  Belton  was  licensed 
to  preacli  tlie  gospel.  Having  received  this  author- 
ity, he  preached  his  first  sermon  in  South  Florence, 
Alahama,  September  14th,  1851.  He  was  admitted 
on  trial  into  the  Tennessee  Annual  Conference,  at 
Pulaski,  in  October,  1852,  and  was  immediately 
transferred  to  the  Alabama  Conference.  It  will  be 
seen  b}*  these  dates  that  Brother  Belton  finished 
the  course  of  stud}',  and  entered  the  travelling 
connection,  several  months  before  the  regular 
college  term  was  finished,  and  he  was  formally- 
graduated.  His  first  appointment  Avas  Columbus 
Circuit,  on  which  he  labored  faithfully  and  success- 
full}'  during  the  year  1853. 

While  travelling  this  circuit,  he  received  from 
Bishop  Andrew  his  appointment  as  missionary  to 
China.  He  was  united  in  marriage  January  5th, 
1854,  with  Miss  Susan  M.  Burdine,  a  young  lady 
eminently  qualified  by  nature,  education,  and 
divine  grace,  to  become  the  wife  of  a  foreign 
missionary.  Brother  Belton  is  in  his  twenty-third 
j-ear.  Those  who  are  accustomed  to  estimate  age 
])y  the  number  of  years  a  man  has  existed,  or  by 
the  number  of  gray  hairs  on  his  head,  will  exclaim, 
"  Too  young !  too  young"  to  occupy  such  a  position, 
and  take   upon   him   such   fearful  responsibilities. 


206  PERSONAGES. 

But  those  Avlio  always  reckon  age  by  what  a  man 
has  accomplislicd  and  is  capable  of  accomplishing, 
•will  decide  that  Brother  Belton  is  old  enough  to 
begin  the  studies  and  labors  of  a  missionary  to  the 
Chinese.  So  think  the  authorities  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South.  He  and  Mrs.  Belton 
sailed  from  New  York  in  the  spring  of  1854. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Lambuth,  A.  M.,  is  a  native  of 
Alabama,  and  is  now  in  his  twenty-sixth  year. 
lie,  too,  is  the  son  of  pious  parents,  who  impressed 
his  mind  with  the  truths  and  obligations  of  Chris- 
tianity from  childhood.  Al)Out  the  year  1840,  the 
family,  after  having  made  an  extensive  visit  to 
Tennessee,  removed  to  the  State  of  Mississippi. 
Here  the  subject  of  this  sketch  attended  a  private 
school,  in  his  father's  neighborhood,  about  six 
years ;  from  which  he  passed  into  the  University  of 
Mississippi,  at  Oxford — Judge  Longstreet  being 
president.  After  three  years'  study,  he  received 
his  diploma. 

Brother  Lambuth  road  medicine,  then  studied 
law,  and  finally,  in  the  year  1853,  entered  the 
ministry.  On  the  20th  of  October,  1853,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Mary  Isabella  McClellan— a  young 
woman  of  talents,  piety,  and  resolution.  He 
joined    the    Mississippi    Conference,    at    Canton, 


KELLEY,  BELTON,  AND  LAM  BUTE.  207 

December,  1853,  and  Avas  ordained  deacon  and 
elder,  and  solemnly  set  apart  for  the  China  Mission. 
In  the  spring  of  1854,  Brother  Lambuth  and  wife 
sailed  from  New  York  for  Shanghai. 

St.  Louis,  January  20,  1856. 


208  PERSONAGES. 


n.   R.   II.   ALBERT   EDWARD, 

THE     1'  R  I  N  C  E     OF     WALES. 

I  AViLL  trouble  you  first  Avitli  his  titles.  Albert 
Edward,  Prince  of  Wales,  Duke  of  Saxony,  Duke 
of  Cornwall  and  Rothsay,  Earl  of  Chester  aud  Car- 
rick,  Baron  of  Renfrew,  and  Lord  of  the  Isles. 
And  yet  the  young  man  who  wears  all  these  is  an 
exceedingly  plain,  modest,  aud  timid  personage. 
Wears  shoes,  gray  pantaloons,  and  vest  to  match, 
striped  shirt,  and  a  dark-blue  business  coat,  short 
hair,  and  a  black  hat,  (rather  well  worn.)  There  is 
not  a  piece  of  jewelry  or  personal  ornament  about 
him.  Being  a  well-bred  Englishman,  of  course 
there  is  not.  Let  fashionable  young  gentlemen 
"  take  notice." 

In  this  country,  out  of  courtesy  to  our  democracy, 
and  that  the  strict  etiquette  appertaining  to  royalty 
may  not  be  subjected  to  violations,  he  assumes  his 
lowest  title,  that  of  Lord  Renfrew.  The  Duke  of 
Newcastle,  the  Earl  of  St.  Germaius,  Lord  Lyons, 


n.     R.     n.     ALBERT     EDWARD.  209 

Major -General  Bruce,  Major  Teasdale,  Captain 
Grey,  Dr.  Acland,  Mr.  Engleliart,  Mr.  Jenner,  Mr. 
Warre,  and  their  attendants,  tvvent3'-six  in  all, 
make  up  the  royal  party. 

The  visit  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  to  the  United 
States  aftbrds  the  severest  test  of  Christian  virtue, 
in  a  national  relation,  that  our  people  have  ever 
had.  We  are  brought  face  to  face  with  a  descend- 
ant of  the  old  Georges,  (Thackeray's  royal  brutes,) 
and  find  ourselves  obli2:ed  to  manifest  our  feelins^s, 
good  or  bad,  for  the  future  commander  of  all  the 
"  red  coats"  in  the  world.  It  is  an  evidence  of  the 
progress  of  civilization,  and  of  the  general  intelli- 
gence of  the  American  people,  that  the  Prince's 
reception  has  so  far  been  an  unbroken  ovation  ;  and 
that,  up  to  the  date  of  his  arrival  in  the  great  city 
of  the  AVest,  unbounded  hospitality  has  waited 
upon  him,  and  cordial  welcomes,  not  exceeded 
even  by  what  he  experienced  in  Canada,  among 
his  own  people,  have  been  extended  to  him.  It  is 
irratifying  to  know  that  such  fraternity  of  nations 
is  possible.  It  is  a  triumph  of  civilization  over 
barbarism ;  of  peace  over  war ;  of  humanity  over 
the  diabolism  of  destructiveness. 

It  is  gratifying,  too,  to  know  that  the  Prince  of 
Wales,  by  many  facts  and  associations,  is  worthy  to 


210  PERSONAGES. 

receive  these  tokens  of  personal  and  national  kind- 
ness. He  is  the  oldest  son  of  an  exemplary 
mother,  who  knows  how  to  rule  licr  own  life  by 
the  Christian  decalogue,  lier  own  househokl  after 
the  manner  of  the  Protestant  Church,  and  a  great 
people  according  to  the  requirements  of  an  ad- 
vanced civilization.  And  his  father,  too,  by  a  life 
of  assiduous  study  and  enterprise,  has  done  much 
to  devclo})  the  arts,  and  advance  the  material 
interests  of  mankind.  During  the  reign  of  Vic- 
toria, the  British  government  has  been  very  liberal 
towards  all  nations,  and  particularly  so  towards  the 
United  States.  The  social  position  of  American 
citizens  residing  near  the  Court  has  been  distin- 
guished, and  yet  easy  —  the  etiquette  of  royalty, 
sanctioned  as  it  is  in  England  by  centuries  of  usage, 
being  liappily  allowed  to  blend  with  republican 
8imi)licity.  The  liighcst  characteristics  of  courtesy 
and  true  politeness  liave  always  marked  the  inter- 
course of  lilt'  jircscnt  reigning  family  of  Great 
Britain  with  all  mankind;  and  on  this  ground 
alone,  l>y  the  universal  law  of  good-breeding,  the 
Prince  of  ^V'ale8  is  entitled  to  honorable  and  gentle 
receptions  wherever  he  goes.  These  arc  the  senti- 
ments of  the  most  respectable  political  Journals  of 
St.  Louis. 


H.     R.     H.     ALBERT     EDWARD.  211 

The  Prince  and  suite  have  reached  this  city,  I 
believe,  by  way  of  Niagara,  Detroit,  and  Chicago. 
They  travel  in  special  trains,  placed  at  their  dis- 
posal by  the  various  companies  over  whose  roads 
they  pass.  They  are  always  preceded  by  a  "  pilot- 
engine,"  to  see  if  the  track  is  all  right.  They  ex- 
hibit the  same  indisposition  to  having  their  necks 
broken  common  to  the  sons  of  Adam. 

The  Prince  is  remarkably  fond  of  hunting.  The 
party  stopped  at  Dwight,  Illinois,  on  last  Tuesday  ; 
went  out  to  Stewart's  Grove,  and  shot  quails,  prai- 
rie chickens,  and  rabbits,  the  livelong  day.  They 
bagged  about  two  hundred,  as  the  result  of  the 
day's  sport.  He  inherits  this  fondness.  Eight 
hundred  years  ago,  his  venerable  ancestor,  William 
the  Conqueror,  "  loved  the  high  deer  as  if  they 
were  his  kin." 

They  arrived  at  Alton,  Illinois,  (a  city  which 
fiilk-stocking  Willis  calls  "a  small  landing  at  the 
mouth  of  the  ^Missouri  river,")  three  o'clock  on 
Wednesday.  A  spontaneous  crowd  of  a  few  thou- 
sand republicans  had  assembled,  to  see  this  young 
scion  of  royalty  walk  from  the  cars  to  the  deck  of 
the  steamer  City  of  Alton.  Nor  was  this  curiosity, 
in  itself,  mean  or  unworthy.  We  are  so  made  that 
we  love  to  see  and  learn ;  and  when  an  object  of 


212  PERSON  AOES. 

legitimate  interest  has  for  us  the  charm  of  novelty, 
curiosity  is  praiseworthy  in  proportion  as  it  is  in- 
tense. "  I  am  a  man,"  exclaimed  the  ancient  sage, 
"and  whatever  pertains  to  man  is  of  interest  to 
me."  Without  a  particle  of  un-democratie  defer- 
ence, our  people  may  laudably  gratify  the  wish  to 
see  the  heir  prospective  of  the  British  throne.  Nor 
need  any,  save  those  who  feel  that  their  democracy 
is  dying  out,  seek  to  stinmlate  it  by  indulging  in 
depreciatory  criticism  u])<)n  a  gentleman,  because 
lie  happens  to  be  called  a  Trince. 

Sundry  gentlemen  in  gray  coats  and  white  hats 
soon  emerged  from  the  cars,  with  some  hindrances, 
and  succeeded  in  moving  through  the  swaying  and 
accompanying  throng.  Among  them,  the  slender 
and  meek-looking  man,  who  advanced  as  if  eager 
to  escape  the  polite  attentions  paid  him,  was  voted 
to  be  the  Prince.  From  the  shore  to  the  deck,  the 
passage  was  kept  free,  and  the  Queen's  son  i)as3ed 
on  board,  wnth  a  single  companion,  in  advance  of 
his  pai-ty.  The  eagerness  ami  keenness  with  which 
his  person  and  features  were  scanned  seemed  rather 
to  discompose  him,  and  he  sought  a  temjiorary 
relief  by  inspecting  the  clean  planks  of  the  deck. 
His  party  being  all  on  board,  they  remained  a  few 
moments  on  the  lower  deck,  while  his  Highness 


II.     R.     H.     ALBERT     EDWARD.  213 

waited,  with  amiable  patience,  to  be  delivered  from 
Lis  part  in  the  show.  Meanwhile,  the  ejaculations, 
exclamations,  sententious  reflections,  etc.,  of  the 
surveying  spectators  were  incessant  and  eloquent — 
such  as,  "His  nose  is  Roman,"  "Why  don't  he 
look  up?"  "He  seems  fagged,"  "He  looks  plea- 
sant," "He  's  bow-legged  !"  "  Which  is  he  ?"  " It 's 
the  one  with  the  cane  in  his  mouth,"  "La!  is  that 
the  Prince?"  "I  thought  his  hair  was  lighter," 
"Ain't  he  stoop-shouldered?"  "  There,  he  's  talking 
to  the  big-whiskered  man,"  "He  's  reg'lar  Dutch  !" 
"There  is  no  harm  in  A/m,  sure!"  "That  cane!" 
"Won't  he  make  a  speech?"  etc.,  etc.,  indefinitely. 
The  run  from  Alton  to  St.  Louis  was  made  in 
two  hours,  the  royal  party  standing  on  the  "texas," 
and  the  Prince  sitting  quietly  in  the  pilot-house. 
The  entrance  of  the  turbid  Missouri  into  the  clear 
Mississippi  particularly  attracted  their  attention. 
At  length  the  gay  steamer  rounded  to  at  the 
packet-landing,  where  thousands  upon  thousands 
of  freemen  had  congregated.  The  Prince  looked 
appalled  at  the  prospect  before  him.  Five  elegant 
chaises  were  in  waiting  from  Barnum's  Hotel,  and, 
by  the  assistance  of  the  police,  the  strangers  found 
their  way  into  them,  and  were  driven,  with  great 
dilliculty,   through   the   immense  throng.     Mean- 


214  PERSONAGES. 

while,  the  band  paraded  on  the  humcanc  deck  of 
the  steamer  Florence,  and  played  "  God  save  the 
Queen,"  and  "Hail  Columbia!"  It  is  proper  to 
state  that  this  was  no  prearranged  and  formal 
reception — the  Prince  desires  none  such.  It  was 
wholly  spontaneous.  AVhcn  the  party  had  taken 
rooms  at  Barnum's,  the  Mayor  and  others  called  on 
them,  and  tendered  the  hospitalities  of  the  city. 
During  the  night,  they  received  two  delightful  ser- 
enades. 

Yesterday  was  the  fourth  day  of  our  great  Na- 
tional Fair.  It  is  supposed  there  are  fifty  thousand 
strangers  in  the  city ;  and,  as  the  business  houses 
and  public  schools  were  closed,  it  is  thought  the 
city  added  fifty  thousand  more  to  the  throng  on  the 
Fair  grounds.  I  had  heard  and  road  of  "  acres  of 
people;"  but  now,  for  the  first  time,  I  saw  them.* 
Not  one,  or  two,  or  ten,  but  fifty  acres,  black  with 
moving  humanity — the  largest  crowd  ever  assem- 
bled on  the  continent  of  America.  At  half-past 
twelve  o'clock,  after  a  long  drive  through  the  prin- 
cipal streets  of  our  city,  the  Prince  and  suite  entered 
the  Fair  grounds.  They  were  accompanied  by  a 
number  of  our  most  distinguished  citizens — Mayor 
Filley,  Colonel  0.  Fallon,  Edward  Bates,  Doctor 
Charles  A.  i'ope,  Doctor  Adreon,  James  E.  Yeat- 


II.     R.     II.     ALBERT     EDWARD.  215 

man,  D.  A.  Jannaiy,  and  others.  The  Prince  was 
drawn  in  an  open  barouche,  with  four  black  horses; 
the  others  followed  in  carriages  drawn  hj  two 
horses  each.  This  was  the  central  feature  of  our 
Annual  Fair ;  and  if  a  premium  had  been  oftercd 
for  ^^  blooded'''  men,  his  Roj^al  Highness  would  have 
taken  the  blue  ribbon ;  for  he  belongs  to  a  long 
line  of  kings. 

As  they  drove  around  the  arena,  the  band  played 
"Hail  to  the  Chief;"  when  they  were  drawn  up 
and  received  at  the  Fagoda,  "God  save  the  Queen;" 
afterwards,  "  Hail  Columbia"  and  "  Yankee  Doo- 
dle," when  the  cheering  became  wild,  irrepressible, 
and  indescribable.  The  royal  party  lifted  their 
hats,  and  we  gazed  upon  a  spectacle  so  rarely 
seen — a  company  of  astonished  Englishmen.  I  im- 
agined the  Prince  was  thinking  his  lion  could  not 
roar  at  all,  and  that  he  would  never  be  able  to 
retake  this  country !  No  wonder  he  looked  so 
modest  and  retiring,  and  scarcely  raised  his  mild 
blue  eyes !  He  might  have  been  thinking  of  the 
might  that  lurked  in  the  muscle  of  that  multitude. 

After  inspecting  some  thorough-bred  cattle  and 
horses,  seeing  some  of  the  "  outside  shows,"  and 
lunching  at  the  Directors'  rooms,  the  royal  parly 
eutorcd  their  carriages,  and  drove  back  to  the  city. 


216  PERSONAGES. 

Late  ill  the  afternoon,  they  visited  the  Academy  of 
Fine  Arts,  the  dome  of  the  Court-house ;  'and,  at 
night,  were  entertained  with  steam  fire-engines  and 
serenades.  They  left  this  morning  at  nine  o'clock, 
in  a  special  train,  for  Cincinnati. 

Such  is  a  very  hasty  and  very  meagre  account  of 
the  visit  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  to  the  Far  "West. 
Two  things  connected  with  it  appear  to  me  very 
remarkable.  No  heir-apparent  ever  travelled  so 
far,  witli  so  small  a  retinue,  without  getting  into 
trouble ;  and  no  human  being  ever  left  a  better 
impression  on  all  sorts  of  people. 

He  comes  amongst  us  without  any  show  or 
parade  of  I'oyalty.  In  fact,  he  throws  aside  all  the 
insignia  of  ofiice,  rank,  and  power,  and  desires  to 
assume  the  character  of  a  private  gentleman,  travel- 
ling to  gratify  a  laudable  curiosity,  and  to  gather  a 
knowledge  of  the  world,  that  may  be  useful  to  him 
and  his  future  subjects.  In  this  capacity,  he  should 
be  greeted  Avilli  all  the  courtesy  and  genuine  hospi- 
tality which  the  true  sons  of  liberty  know  how  to 
exhibit.  He  represents  the  greatest  political  power 
in  the  world — a  realm  on  which  the  sun  never  sets ; 
and  it  is  a  happy  circumstance  that  has  brought 
hiui,  Ijefore  assuming  the  sceptre,  to  spend  a  few 
months  in   social  intercourse  with  his  future  sub- 


11.     R.     H.     ALBERT     EDWARD.  217 

jccts  in  Canada,  and  tlieir  neighbors  in  these  United 
States.  May  he  live  long  to  bless  a  free  and  will- 
ing people  with  the  rule  of  a  wise  prince,  and  may 
England  and  America  never  strive,  except  in  their 
emulative  efforts  to  promote  the  interests  of  hu- 
manity. 

A     WIFE     FOR     THE     PRINCE. 

A  report  from  Europe  says  that,  besides  other 
important  things  settled  during  the  Queen's  late 
visit  to  Germany,  a  wife  was  selected  for  the  heir 
to  the  crown.  The  happj-  lady  is  the  Princess 
Augusta  Louisa  Adelaide  Caroline  Ida,  daughter  of 
the  Duke  of  Saxe-Meiningen,  who  was  born  August 
6,  1843.  As  the  Prince  of  "Wales  was  born  Novem- 
ber 9,  1841,  the  young  couple  will  be  well  matched 
in  years.  ^ 

The  Saxe-Meiningen  family  have  a  great  deal  to 
be  proud  of  in  tlie  matter  of  blood,  though  not 
much  in  territory  or  political  grandeur.  The  ducal 
dominions  comprise  a  territory  of  less  than  a  thou- 
sand square  miles,  and  a  population  of  about 
170,000.  ^Iciningen,  the  capital  city,  has  between 
six  and  seven  thousand  inhabitants.  The  Saxe- 
Meiningen   family  is  a  brancli   of  the  old  Saxon 


218  PERSONAGES. 

royal  race,  to  ■\vliich  belongs  rrince  Albert's  family, 
and  several  others,  that  furnish  husbands  and  wives 
for  European  royalty. 

The  young  lady  now  spoken  of  as  likely  to  be  a 
Queen  of  England,  will  not  be  the  first  of  her  fam- 
ily that  has  had  that  dignity.  Queen  Adelaide,  the 
wife  of  William  IV.,  was  a  Princess  of  Saxe-Mein- 
iiifiren,  and  the  aunt  of  the  rumored  intended  wife 
of  Albert  Edward.  She  was  selected  as  a  bride  for 
the'  then  Duke  of  Clarence,  after  the  lamented 
death  of  the  Princess  Charlotte,  when  there  was 
danger  that,  of  all  George  the  Third's  fifteen  chil- 
dren, none  would  leave  a  legitimate  heir  to  wear 
the  crown.  The  Dukes  of  Clarence,  Kent,  and 
Cambridge,  and  the  I'rincess  Elizabeth,  were  all 
married  as  rapidly  as  possible.  Queen  Adelaide 
never  bore  children,  and  the  daughter  of  the  Duke 
of  Kent  succeeded  'William  IV.  Her  son,  in  turn, 
is  to  marry  a  niece  of  her  uncle's  wife. 

The  German  element  is  becoming  more  strongly 
infused  into  the  English  royal  family  than  ever.  If 
lineage  could  be  analytically  traced,  there  would  be 
found  in  Queen  Victoria  very  little  of  the  ancient 
IMantagenet,  Tudor,  or  Stuart  blood,  and  a  great 
deal  of  the  Germ:iii.  Her  cliildrcn  have  still  more 
of  it,  and,  as  she  has  man"uil   her  oldest  daughter 


H.     R.     H.     ALBERT     EDWARD.  219 

to  a  German  prince,  betrothed  her  second  to  an- 
other, and  is  likely  to  marry  her  oldest  son  to  a 
German  princess,  her  grandchildren  will  be  English 
only  in  name  and  rank.  It  is  probably  natural  that 
she  and  her  husband  should  prefer  alliance  with 
their  own  race.  But  another  reason  for  selecting 
German  husbands  and  wives  for  their  children  is, 
that  Protestant  royalty  is  to  be  found  only  in  Ger- 
many, and  as  it  is  considered  wrong  for  an  English 
prince  or  princess  to  marry  any  thing  below  royalty, 
in  title  at  least. 

St.  Louis,  Sept.  28,  1860. 


220  FEBSONAOES. 


REV.   D.   R.    McAXALLY,   D.D., 

EDITOR    AND    AUTHOR. 

Dr.  JSIcAnally  belongs  to  an  ancient  Scotch 
family.  Ilis  branch  of  it  came  to  the  United 
States  more  than  two  hundred  years  ago.  The 
grandfather  on  the  paternal  side  was  a  member  of 
the  Church  of  England  until  after  the  Revolution ; 
then  he  became  a  Methodist.  His  father  was  a 
local  i>reacher;  a  man  of  strong  intellect  and 
fervent  piety.  In  his  younger  days  he  was  for 
twelve  consecutive  years  sheriff  of  his  county. 
After  this,  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
surveyor  to  the  county.  His  grandfather  on  the 
maternal  side  was  also  a  local  preacher  —  all 
Virginians. 

Dr.  McAnally  was  liprn  in  Grainger  county, 
Tennessee,  February  IT,  1810,  and  Avas  baptized 
into  the  Methodist  Church.  There  he  has  remained 
ever  since,     lie  was  admitted  to  full  I'elluwsliip  in 


REV.     D.     R.     M 'anally,     D.D.  221 

his  thirteentli  year;  embraced  religion  in  bis  six- 
teeutb ;  and  was  licensed  to  preacb  tbe  gospel  at 
nineteen.  He  entered  tbe  travelling  connection  in 
tbe  Holston  Conference,  December,  1829.  By 
reference  to  tbe  Minutes,  I  find  bim  on  Circuits, 
Stations,  or  Districts,  for  fourteen  years.  In  1843 
be  was  elected  to  tbe  presidency  of  tbe  East  Ten- 
nessee Female  Institute,  at  Knoxville ;  wbicb  place 
be  filled  until  bis  transfer  to  St.  Louis,  in  1851. 

Dr.  McAnally  bas  been  well  educated.  At  five 
years  of  age,  be  entered  an  excellent  country  scbool, 
wbere  be  remained  until  be  was  eleven.  Tbeu  be 
was  placed  in  a  classical  scbool  at  Rutledgc,  Ten- 
nessee, wbere  be  remained  five  years  more,  under 
sucb  teachers  as  tbe  lamented  Barton,  and  General 
T.  D.  Knight. 

Since  bis  residence  in  St.  Louis,  this  distinguished 
editor  and  author  has  performed  an  immense 
amount  of  work.  "  Life  is  real,  life  is  earnest," 
with  bira. 

First,  as  a  student.  There  are  certain  American 
and  foreign  magazines  and  reviews  of  the  highest 
grade,  wbicb  be  reads  as  regularly  and  thoroughly 
as  any  literary  farmer,  enjoying  a  country  solitude. 
New  books,  intended  for  any  department  of  the 
"  Course  of  Study,"  are  examined  and  read  by  him 


222  PERSONAGES. 

with  as  much  interest  and  care  as  if  he  wore  at  the 
head  of  a  university.  Indeed,  his  previous  ac- 
quaintance with  scliool  -  books  makes  it  an  easy 
matter  for  him  to  examine  an  ordinary  treatise  in 
one 'day.  He  has  been  a  theological  student  all  his 
life,  and  keeps  up  his  studies  now  with  a  regularity 
which  is  absolutely  surprising ;  reading  the  Bible, 
the  Commentaries,  the  Institutes,  the  Bodies  of 
Divinity  —  old  standard  works  —  through  and 
through,  between  stated  periods  of  time.  The 
Doctor  always  lias  a  book  along.  For  example, 
he  goes  to  Brunswick  to  an  Annual  Conference, 
attends  to  the  interests  of  the  Advocate  and 
Depository,  speaks,  preaches,  exhorts,  calls  mourn- 
ers, and  gives  "Bledsoe's  Theodicy"  a  searching 
perusal.  lie  has  read  civil  and  ecclesiastical  law 
with  great  care;  and  in  the  latter,  his  opinion, 
with  me,  is  golden.  Current  literature,  especially 
Methodist,  receives  Ids  attention,  as  the  columns  of 
his  paper  show.  And  bear  witness,  he  never  writes 
a  "book  notice"  which  he  has  to  take  back,  "on 
further  examination" — not  he.  I  expect  him  to 
read  this  book  carefully,  tell  the  public  exactly 
what  he  thinks  of  it,  and  then  stick  to  liis  opinion 
until  "reason  reels."  Withal,  I  think  he  has  read 
a  due  share  of  novels  and  politics. 


REV.     D.     R.     M' AN  ALLY,     D.D.  223 

Secondl}^  as  an  editor.  Dr.  ISIcAnally  has  edited 
the  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate  for  ten  years ; 
was  elected  first  by  its  Publishing  Committee,  then 
by  the  General  Conference  of  1854,  then  reelected 
by  the  same  body  in  1858.  He  took  it  when  it  had 
no  capital,  but  few  exchanges,  and  a  small  subscrip- 
tion list;  and,  by  the  assistance  of  the  travelling 
preachers,  has  run  it  up  to  a  circulation  of  nearly 
ten  thousand.  At  first  he  worked  on  a  small 
salar}',  not  promptly  paid ;  and  besides  filling  its 
columns,  assisted  in  pressing  it,  mailing  it,  and 
keeping  its  accounts.  Now  he  is  relieved  from 
every  department  except  the  editorial.  But  what 
wonderful  industry  is  manifested,  especially  on 
"the  inside!"  I  frequently  sec  from  five  to  ten 
columns  of  editorial — not  so  polished  as  Carnes's, 
or  so  pithy  as  Dr.  M'Tyeire's,  or  so  aesthetic  as 
Gillespie's,  or  so  classical  as  Dr.  Myers's,  or  so 
profound  as  Dr.  Rosser's ;  but,  like  his  own  descrip- 
tion of  a  Western  Virginia  dance — strong !  From 
the  moment  you  lift  his  paper  before  your  eyes,  you 
cannot  resist  him.  He  calls  for  your  intellect  and 
heart.  The  St.  Louis  Christian  Advocate  is  almost 
the  only  Methodist  paper  that  circulates  in  Mis- 
souri and  Kansas.     "It  is  not  newsy  enough,"  is 


224  PERSONAGES. 

the  only  objection  urged  against  it.  Its  "  Com- 
mercial Report"  or  "Weekly  Review  of  the  St. 
Louis  Market,"  makes  it  the  most  popular  farmers' 
paper  issued  in  the  West.  Often,  while  travel- 
ling along  those  "borders  of  civilization,"  have  I 
been  delighted  at  seeing  the  brown-faced  planter 
wreathed  in  smiles,  or  his  brow  knit  with  thought, 
as  his  eyes  ran  up  and  down  the  columns  of  his 
Church  paper.  Others  there  are,  "  beyond  the 
river,"  who  could  edit  a  Church  paper,  and  manage 
its  affairs ;  but  perhaps  none  so  well  or  so  success- 
fully as  Dr.  McAnally. 

Thirdl}^,  as  an  author.  Since  his  residence  in 
the  West,  the  Doctor  has  written  and  published 
several  books.  "Martha  Laurens  Ramsey"  is  a 
small  and  well-written  biography  of  a  pious  and 
distinguished  South  Carolina  lady.  It  was  pub- 
lished b}"  the  house  of  Morton  &  Griswold,  Louis- 
ville, and  ought  to  take  rank  along  with  "  Mrs. 
Fletcher,"  "Hester  Ann  Rogers,"  and  "A  Mother's 
Portrait."  Next,  "The  Life  and  Times  of  Rev. 
Williani  Patton,"  published  at  the  Book  Depository 
of  St.  Louis,  showing  an  appreciation  of  a  good 
and  faithful  man,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  origin, 
rise,  and  progress  of  Methodism  in  Missouri,  in  its 


REV.    D.    R.    m'anally,    d.d.  225 

minutest  details.  Then  came  "  The  Life  and  Times 
of  Rev.  Samuel  Patton,  D.  D.,"  published  at  the 
same  establishment,  and  designed  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  the  early  champion  of  our  Church 
in  East  Tennessee.  Dr.  Patton  was  a  man  of 
singular  piety,  talents,  and  power;  all  of  which 
are  made  to  appear  on  the  pages  of  this  charming 
biography.  Meantime,  Dr.  McAnally  has  pub- 
lished one  or  two  separate  sermons,  a  controversial 
tract  or  two,  a  hymn  -  book,  a  Sunday  -  school 
Manual,  etc. ;  all  of  which  obtained  a  wide  circu- 
lation. 

Fourthly,  as  a  preacher.  During  all  this  time, 
with  the  exception,  perhaps,  of  a  year  or  two.  Dr. 
McAnally  has  been  a  regularly  appointed  preacher 
in  charge — of  Centenary  Church,  St.  Louis  City 
Circuit,  Sixteenth  Street  Church,  and  Carondelet. 
He  has  been  spoken  of  for  presiding  elder  of  the 
St.  Louis  District,  and  is  now  Superintendent  of 
German  Missions.  As  a  preacher,  he  stands  in  the 
front  rank.  Sometimes  writes  his  sermons,  and 
reads  them ;  sometimes  makes  full  notes,  and  uses 
them;  but  gcncrall}^  he  is  like  old  Dr.  Coxe,  "just 
holds  forth !"  and  when  he  holds  forth,  he  is  like 
Paul — '■'■holding  forth  the  word  of  life.''  His  sermons 
have  body  and  soul,  and  are  delivered  with  power. 


226  PERSON  AGES. 

He  preached  in  Knoxville,  Tennessee,  eight  or  ten 
j'ears.  They  say  he  always  had  something  new. 
Senator  Polk  lias  lieard  him  for  years — says  he  has 
the  richest  variety  of  any  preacher  in  the  West. 
All  of  which  "I  steadfastly  believe."  As  an 
orator,  the  Doctor  must  consent  to  take  second 
rank.     He  has  but  little  imagination,  and  no  fancy. 

Fifthly,  as  a  business  man.  See  him  commence, 
about  eight  years  ago,  in  a  little  class-room  in 
Centenary  Church,  with  a  few  books,  and,  from  tluit 
small  beginning,  build  up  the  splendid  establish- 
ment that  now  lifts  its  front  on  Pine  street!  lie 
now  retails,  wholesales,  manufactures,  publishes ; 
and  has  never  had  an  assistant  ao:ent.  Further- 
more,  I  am  inclined  to  think  the  Doctor  himself 
went  to  St.  Louis  in  moderate  circumstances,  but 
now  lives  in  comparative  atllucnce. 

Finally,  Dr.  McAnally  is  a  true  man.  You  may 
always  know  Avhere  to  find  him.  If  you  are  wrong 
and  corrupt,  he  differs  with  you  and  dislikes  j'ou  : 
no  interest  can  buy  him  over.  If  you  are  right 
and  worthy,  he  defends  you  an<l  loves  you :  no 
interest  can  buy  him  off.  Can  this  be  said  of  all 
the  black  coats  in  the  West  ?  He  dislikes  lazy  men 
and  ladies'  men,  stingy  men  and  pretenders ;  but 
loves  a  working  man,  a  family  man,  a  liberal  man, 


REV.    D.    R.    M 'anally,    D.D.  227 

and  a  whole  man.  He  has  a  good,  a  great,  and  a 
true  heart,  whose  shicerity  would  challenge  tho 
admiration  of  a  committee  of  angels. 

Lexington,  Mo.,  September  1,  1860. 


228  PERSONAGES. 


REV.   JOHN  B.   M'FEimiN,   D.  D., 

BOOK    AGENT. 

It  docs  not  take  you  an  hour  to  find  out  tliat  Dr. 
M'Ferrin  is  a  very  kind -hearted  man.  Twelve 
years  ago,  this  month,  I  entered  his  oifice,  and  saw 
liini  for  tlic  first  time.  I  was  a  mere  youth,  from 
the  mountains  of  East  Tennessee;  a  boy  that  had 
come  to  Nashville,  to  get  a  place  in  the  Tennessee 
Conference.  I  knew  nobody,  and  supposed  there 
was  not  a  man  in  the  city  who  knew  me.  I  was 
lonely,  and  sad,  and  silent.     M'Ferrin  saw  it,  took 

me  to  one  side,  and  thus  discoursed:  "Mr.  L , 

a  mcjuber  of  the  Senate,  from  East  Tennessee,  says 
he  knows  you — knows  your  parents — was  present 
when  you  joined  the  Church — has  heard  you  preach 
— is  well  acquainted  with  you.  He  says  we  must 
admit  yoii,  and  give  you  an  appointment — he  re- 
commends you,  and  so  will  I.  Come  to  my  house 
for  dinner  to-day,  and  I  will  introduce  you  to  some 
of  the  brethren."    God  bless  the  genial,  kind-hearted 


REV.    JOHN    B.    m'ferrin,    d.d.        229 

man !  I  put  this  to  what  Eev.  F.  P.  Scruggs  and 
Rev.  F.  E.  Pitts  had  said  to  me,  and  came  to  the 
conclusion,  that  out  of  the  mouth  of  two  or  three 
witnesses,  every  word  would  be  established.  This 
word  of  encouragement  came  at  the  right  time  to 
save  me  ;  for,  about  an  hour  before  this,  a  certain 
quasi  Doctor,  whose  light  is  now  fiiding  in  another 
region  of  the  heavens,  had  told  me  the  Conference 
was  full — no  room  for  me — I  ought  to  proceed 
straight  to  Arkansas.  Good  enough  advice,  I  dare 
say,  but  given  in  a  sttjle  that  made  an  impression,  as 
you  plainly  perceive.  My  plans,  as  Dr.-  Lipscomb 
would  say  of  the  race,  "were  put  together  with 
rivets,"  and  I  did  not  wish  them  wrenched  asunder. 
They  did  not  include  the  fertile  State  of  Arkansas. 
Thus  commenced  an  acquaintance,  which  I  trust 
will  be  like  that  of  David  and  Jonathan,  or  Damon 
and  Pythias ;  and  when  broken  on  earth  by  the 
sword  of  the  King  of  Terrors,  I  hope  it  may  be 
renewed  beyond  the  pearly  gates  and  jasper  walls. 

Dr.  M'Ferrin  is  a  plain  man — you  do  not  have  to 
watch  him,  and  study  him,  and  balance  probabili- 
ties, to  know  where  he  stands.  If  you  wish  to 
know  the  ground  he  occupies,  ask  him,  and  he  will 
tell  you.  If  he  were  presiding  over  a  deliberative 
body,  and  a  member  were  to  put  a  question  to  the 


230  PERSONAGES. 

chair  for  decision,  it  would  be  decided — you  would 
uot  have  to  wait  twent^'-four  hours.  He  is  a  sincere 
man — does  not  get  your  confidence,  to  go  straight- 
way and  betray  you.  One  can  unbosom  himself  to 
him  and  feel  safe.  He  is  a  pious  man,  whose  re- 
ligion consisteth  "in  righteousness,  peace,  and  joy 
in  the  Holy  Ghost." 

Dr.  iM'Ferrin  has  been  in  the  ministry  upwards 
of  a  quarter  of  a  century — as  missionary,  circuit 
preacher,  pastor,  presiding  elder,  and  editor  of  the 
Nashville  Christian  Advocate.  ISTo  man  in  the 
Church  has  occupied  the  editorial  chair  so  long  as 
he,  except,  perhaps,  Dr.  Lee,  of  Virginia.  He  took 
the  Advocate  when  it  had  been  written  to  death, 
and  infused  light  and  life  into  its  columns.  He 
made  it  a  newspaper  for  tlio  family,  as  Avell  as  a 
theological  medium.  He  took  it  when  its  affairs 
were  bankrupted,  brought  order  out  of  confusion, 
and  "made  it  pay."  Such  a  man  is  worthy  of  the 
position  assigned  him  by  the  late  General  Confer- 
ence— Book  Agent  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South.  I  predict  his  administration  will 
be  a  complete  success. 

We  have  not  in  all  the  South  a  more  successful 
platform  speaker  than  Dr.  M'Ferrin.  He  is  always 
in  requisition,  always  ready,  never  very  much  em- 


KEY.     JOHN     B.     M'FERRIN,     D.D.  231 

barrassed ;  has  a  ready  flow  of  strong  language, 
and  rather  enjoys  the  excitement  of  an  anniversary. 
Practice  makes  perfect.  With  the  exception  of 
Bishop  Pierce  and  Dr.  Sehon,  he  has  experimented 
on  the  American  public,  as  a  beggar  for  the  Lord's 
treasury,  as  much  as  any  other  man.  When  did  he 
ever  attend  a  Conference  Missionary  Anniversary 
without  speaking?  It  makes  no  difference  who  de- 
livers the  opening  address,  or  liow  he  delivers  it, 
M'Ferrin  closes.  In  this  he  resembles  our  friend 
Caples  across  the  river.  They  are  both  large,  both 
humorous,  good  at  repartee,  and  sometimes  throw 
out  thoughts  like  great  slugs  of  hot  iron,  making 
you  scamper.  M'Ferrin  knows  more  than  Caples, 
but  Caples  can  tell  what  he  does  know  a  shade 
better. 

As  a  debater  on  the  floor  of  Annual  or  General 
Conference,  who  ever  saw  him  go  under?  As 
Frank.  English  would  say,  "  lie  gets  all  under  holds, 
and  upper  side  of  the  hill,"  and  down  goes  his  an- 
tagonist ;  but,  then,  the  brawny  Doctor  tickles  him, 
and  smiles  on  him,  and  lets  him  up. 

Dr.  M'Ferrin  has  a  rare  talent  for  preaching. 
Perhaps  the  word  adroitness  will  describe  it  better 
than  any  other.  He  is  all  you  could  ask  in  a  re- 
vival of  religion — preaches  "  in  demonstration  of  the 


232  PERSONAGES. 

Spirit,"  and  \vitli  power.  His  practical  sermons 
move  you  to  "  work  out  your  own  salvation  with 
fear  and  trembling."  His  doctrinal  discourses  are 
compact  witli  thought,  and  show  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  all  Arminiauism.  In  controversy  he 
wields  a  right  Damascus  blade,  cutting  his  way 
through  all  weak  or  learned  sophistries.  Preaches 
as  many  funeral  discourses  as  any  man  in  Middle 
Tennessee.  The  Doctor  is  not  exactly  an  orator, 
nor  can  he  preach  a  literary  discourse.  I  heard 
from  one  of  his  Annual  Commencement  cftbrts. 
The  pupils  thought  he  was  going  to  call  mourners ! 
The  Doctor  never  reads  in  the  pulpit,  or  uses 
"notes:"  his  call  seems  to  be  to  "pw/c'/i  the  gospel." 
He  never  "leaves  his  carpet-bag  at  Berea,"  or  a 
railroad  station ;  but  is  always  ready. 

By  appointment  from  the  late  General  Confer- 
ence, Dr.  M'Ferrin  is  the  central  figure  of  our  Pub- 
lishing Uousc,  surrounded  by  these  distinguished 
personages  :  Rev.  li.  Abbey,  Financial  Secretary — 
a  voluminous  writer,  a  polished  gentleman,  and  a 
shrewd  financier ;  Thos,  0.  Summers,  D.D.,  Editor 
of  Books,  Tracts,  and  the  Quarterly,  a  divine  whose 
profound  and  critical  scholarship,  whose  varied  and 
extensive  reading,  preeminently  fit  him  for  the  posi- 
tion ;  L.  D.  Huston,  D.  D.,  Editor  of  the  Home 


REV.    JOHN    B.    m'ferrin,    d.d.         233 

Circle  and  Sunday-school  Visitor,  an  eloquent 
preacher,  and  a  charming  writer,  a  liitcratcur,  who 
talks  well  on  every  subject,  from  shoe-leather  to  the 
solar  system;  H.  I^.  M'Tyeire,  D.D.,  Editor  of 
Christian  Advocate,  a  classical  scholar,  and  a  j'oung 
man  who  is  wise  and  witty,  and,  with  me,  the  prince 
of  editors ;  E.  "W.  Sehou,  D.  D.,  Missionary  Secre- 
tary, elegant  as  Bishop  Burnet,  and  eloquent  as  he 
wants  to  be.  Then,  there  are  Green,  Gardner,  El- 
liston,  Leo,  Watson,  Taylor,  and  Litton,  into  whose 
construction  the  Creator  has  put  the  choicest  ma- 
terial.    They  are  all  '■'■worthy  and  ivell  qualified." 

Lexixgtojt,  Mo.,  Sept.  20th,  1858. 


234  PERSONAGES. 


HON.   WILLIAM   T.   HASKELL, 

THE     TENNESSF.  E     ORATOR. 

You  have  recorded  the  death  of  a  wonderful  man. 
I  knew  him — General  Haskell.  He  was  endowed, 
furnished,  amazingly  eloquent,  frail,  and  unfortun- 
ate. His  was  a  life  of  earnest  purposes  never  re- 
alized, splendid  promises  never  fulfilled.  If  he  was 
a  fragment  of  a  man,  he  was  large,  brilliant,  blazing. 
But  his  "  continuity"  was  not  large.  He  passed  too 
rapidly  "  from  thing  to  thing." 

"William  T.  Haskell  was  the  son  of  the  Hon. 
Joshua  Haskell,  born  in  Murfreesboro,  Tennessee, 
in  1817  or  1818;  graduated  at  the  old  Nashville 
University,  while  Dr.  Philip  Lindsley  presided.  The 
roll  of  the  Senior  Class  for  1834-5  contains  his 
name,  I  think.  lie  was  a  scholar,  fond  of  reading 
— deep  in  history,  spoke  some  French. 

He  served  his  country  in  the  Florida  war  well 
and  bravel}',  and  immediately  afterwards  served  his 
constituents  of  Madison  county  in  the  Tennessee 


HON.     WILLIAM     T.     HASKELL.  235 

Legislature :  not  more  tlian  twenty-three  3^cars  of 
age  at  this  time.  As  early  as  1840  he  began  to  ex- 
hibit those  powers  of  speech — that  complete  mas- 
tery over  the  multitude — which  he  retained  till  rea- 
son fled.     I  have  not  heard  his  equal  on  the  stump. 

In  1844  he  was  on  the  electoral  ticket  in  the  Clay 
canvass.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Mexican  war 
he  volunteered  as  a  soldier,  but  was  elected  to  com- 
mand a  regiment :  hence  his  military  title. 

It  was  immediately  after  his  return  from  the  war 
when  I  first  met  him.  A  young  friend,  Mr.  Lewis, 
and  myself  were  spending  some  time  in  l^ashville. 
One  day  we  called  on  Allen  A.  Hall,  Esq.,  then 
editing  a  N'ashville  paper.  Said  he,  "Have  you 
seen  General  Haskell  yet?"  "No."  "You  ought 
to  call  on  him :  his  talk  is  astonishingly  brilliant 
and  eloquent."  After  this  I  met  him  at  the  Sewa- 
nee  House.  He  was  surrounded  by  admirers,  be- 
cause covered  with  honors :  was  tall,  pale,  and  per- 
fectly dressed.  The  hearing  ear  is  always  found 
close  to  the  speaking  tongue.  Haskell  was  contin- 
ually tempted  to  talk,  because  there  were  so  many 
to  listen.  But  he  talked  well  on  every  subject.  If 
such  a  man  had  entered  the  clubhouse  in  London, 
in  the  days  when  Garrick,  and  Burke,  and  John- 
son talked  there,  his  conversation  would  have  been 


236  PERSONAGES. 

accepted;  he  wimiUI  have  had  listeners,  I  liavo 
heard  some  line  convcrsatiouists — Thackeray,  Ever- 
ett, Bayard  Tnylor — hut  none  whose  natural  powers 
were  superior  to  Haskell's. 

Soon  after  this,  though  harely  thirty,  General 
Haskell  was  elected  to  Congress.  As  Marshall,  and 
Prentiss,  and  others,  before  him,  so  did  Haskell : 
nay,  worse  than  these ;  for  he  came  home  with  his 
constitution  wrecked,  and  reeling  under  the  inllu- 
ence  of  Washington  City  life,  and  having  lost  thou- 
sands of  mouc}'.  One  long,  dark  night,  in  a  solitary 
stage-coach,  he  gave  me  full  details. 

Here  a  beautiful  streak  of  temperance  appears  in 
the  ever-darkling  web  of  his  existence.  He  lectured 
over  the  State  to  vast  crowds:  and  men  cried  till 
their  faces  were  spotted,  or  laughed  themselves 
hoarse,  over  the  many-colored  pictures  he  drew. 
But  he  was  a  man  at  constant  hand-grips  Avith  des- 
tiny, and  in  the  struggle  soon  lapsed  again.  Tie 
was  fast  yielding  to  a  malady  more  fearful  than  that 
which  preyed  upon  the  vitals  of  Prometheus. 

In  1852  he  was  placed,  "for  the  State  at  large," 
on  the  electoral  ticket  in  the  Scott  canvass.  The 
newspapers  said  such  crowds  never  came  out,  and 
such  speeches  were  never  uttered  before  on  Tennes- 
see soil.    During  this  canvass  I  was  coming  through 


HON.     AVILLIAM     T.     HASKELL.  237 

from  Knoxville  to  Nashville,  by  stage.  On  top  of 
Cumberland  Mountain  General  Haskell  got  in.  He 
was  worn,  slovenly,  soiled.  lie  entered  the  stage 
swearing.  The  moment  he  suav  me,  though  the 
stage  was  full,  he  extended  his  hand,  and  said,  "  Mr. 
Young,  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir.  It  is  mean  in  any 
one  to  swear,  especiall}^  so  in  nie.  I  was  once  a 
member  of  your  Church,  sir,  and  enjoyed  religion 
— was  a  class-leader !  My  wife  is  a  Christian  wo- 
man, and  I  am  the  father  of  children.  You  and  I 
became  acquainted  at  the  Sewanee  House,  on  my 
return  from  Mexico.  You  shall  not  hear  me  swear 
any  more  in  this  coach,  sir."  And  he  kept  his  pro- 
mise. 

That  night  he  talked  French  and  English,  history 
and  politics,  religion  and  literature,  love  and  temper- 
ance— a  perfect  salmagundi.  At  midnight  it  rained 
heavil}?' ;  the  road  became  slippery.  After  a  while 
the  driver  stopped  and  told  us  that  unless  two  men 
would  hold  the  lead  horses,  he  could  go  no  farther 
down  the  mountain.  On  one  side  was  a  deep  pre- 
cipice. Haskell  stepped  over  to  that  side,  saying : 
"  Mr.  Young,  you  may  take  the  upper  side.  One 
of  us  may  get  killed,  and  I  think  it  likely  j'our  life 
will  be  more  beneficial  to  the  world  than  mine." 

Wo  got  to  Sparta  about  daylight.    Haskell  walked 


238  PERSONAGES. 

to  the  desk,  and  glancing  his  eye  down  a  page  or 
two  of  names,  remarked,  "There's  nobody  been 
here  !  Let 's  register  our  names,  and  let  them  know 
somcbodij  has  been  here."  So  he  wrote  in  large, 
bold  hand,  "  Wm.  T.  Haskell,"  and  then  entered 
my  inarticulate  name. 

I  have  never  seen  Haskell  since.  I  understood 
he  volunteered  some  service  for  Fillmore,  in  1856. 
Long  and  dark  was  the  night  he  spent  in  the  Asy- 
lum at  Lexington.  Longer,  darker,  and  fataler  still, 
his  last  daj's  in  the  Asylum  at  Ilopkinsville.  Be- 
tween these  madhouses  he  enjoyed  a  few  lucid  weeks. 
During  this  time  he  produced  an  eloquent  Poem,  in 
two  parts.  Part  I.  is  a  description  of  Haskell  in- 
sane.    Part  II.  is  a  picture  of  Haskell  restored. 

Borders  of  Civilization,  April  15,  1859 


REV.     JOHN    HENRY    YOUNG.  239 


REV.   JOHN    HEI^RY    YOUNG, 

INI  Y    BELOVED     BROTHER. 

The  date  of  liis  birth  is  January  13th,  1822. 
His  entrance  into  this  world  was  near  Campbell's 
Station,  East  Tennessee :  his  departure  to  Para- 
dise, from  Marion,  Crittenden  county,  Kentucky. 
He  remained  here  nearly  thirty-eight  years — was 
my  brother,  and  some  years  older  than  I. 

Delicacy  and  disease  were  the  companions  of  his 
life.  In  infancy  and  childhood  he  struggled  for  a 
mere  existence.  I  recall  the  days  of  his  boyhood, 
as  he  grew  up  slim  and  pale,  timid  and  silent,  fond 
of  solitude  and  curious  old  books.  I  do  not 
remember  that  I  ever  saw  him  play.  The  only 
noticeable  sin  was  excess  of  temper. 

Under  conviction  from  the  first  dawning  of 
reason,  he  yielded  all  his  leisure  moments  to 
devotion  and  the  study  of  the  Scriptures.  He 
attached  himself  to  the  Church  early  in  life,  and 
for  years   lived  self-withdrawn   and   remote   from 


240  PERSONAGES. 

society  as  possible :  so  much  so,  tliat  after  clays, 
and  even  weeks,  devoted  to  his  Looks  and  prayers, 
he  sometimes  startled  us  all  by  symptoms  of  mental 
aberration.  Though  brought  up  in  the  country,  he 
never  discovered  the  slightest  disposition  for  farm- 
ing or  financing.  These  matters  were  intrusted  to 
his  younger  brother. 

But  he  was  fond  of  learning — solid  school-book 
learning;  especially  the  Latin  classics,  which  he 
read  Avith  astonishing  ease,  for  one  ol  his  years, 
lie  composed  in  Latin:  but  always  composed 
prayers — never  speeches.  I  remember  well  how 
he  used  to  take  me  to  some  of  those  lonely  places 
he  frequented,  and  read  to  me  his  solemn  Latin 
prayers — then  translate.  My  brother  could  never 
be  induced  to  enter  any  school  or  college  of  repu- 
tation ;  but  relied  exclusively  on  private  instruction. 
Some  of  his  instructors  were  men  of  finished 
scholarship.  I  mention  the  name  of  one — Jere- 
miah Moore — a  graduate  of  the  old  Greenville 
College. 

The  books  he  read  had  stood  the  test  of  centu- 
ries. Flavius  Josephus,  Plutarch's  Lives,  Seneca's 
Morals,  Jeremy  Taylor's  Holy  Living  and  Dying, 
The  Pilgrim's  Progress,  and,  above  all,  the  Bible — 
if  I  were  to  write  how  much  and  how  often  he  read 


REV.     JOHN    HENRY    YOUNG.  241 

these  books,  I  should  not  expect  to  he  heliovcd. 
His  nearest  approach  to  modern  or  fashionable 
literature  was  seen  in  his  iiimiliarity  with  Dick's 
Works,  Chalmers's  Sermons,  Hervey's  Meditations, 
and  the  British  Sp}'.  If  you  found  a  book  in  his 
pocket,  it  was  either  a  miniature  Lexicon  or 
Hervey's  Meditations.  He  read  but  little  poetry, 
wrote  a  great  deal,  and  published  none.  His  single 
contribution  to  periodical  literature  may  be  seen  in 
one  of  the  early  numbers  of  the  Southern  Lady's 
Companion — "Arabella  Johnson." 
I  quote  from  one  of  his  latest  letters : 
"  The  Bible  and  Seneca  arc  my  guides,  in  con- 
junction with  reason  and  conscience.  The  devil 
inspired  Dean  Swift,  Swedenborg,  Defoe,  and  the 
author  of  the  Arabian  Nights  to  write  their  books. 
All  fiction  I  hate,  and  the  fashionable  literature  of 
the  day.  I  serve  God  because  I  ought,  and  hate 
the  devil  because  he  is  wicked.  Jesus  Christ  is 
my  IJgnum  Vitce,  and  his  word  is  my  Magna 
Charter 

At  the  age  of  thirteen,  my  brother  entered  the 
Baptist  Church,  in  which  he  spent  five  years — 
restless,  gloomy  jears ;  brightened  occasionally  by 
rays  of  religious  enjoyment.  At  the  age  of 
eighteen,  though  an   "ofliciur'  in  the  Church,  he 


242  PERSONAGES. 

determined  to  commune  with  the  rest  of  the  family. 
So  he  quietly  withdrew  from  the  Baptist  and  united 
with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  At  the  age 
of  twenty,  he  entered  the  ministry,  and  was  hap- 
pier. In  the  Ilolston  Conference  he  spent  a  few 
years;  growing  in  grace  and  usefulness;  becoming 
wiser  and  better  and  liappier  still.  During  this 
time,  he  became  an  author  withal ;  wrote  and  pub- 
lished a  book  on  the  "Authenticity,  Genuineness, 
etc.,  of  the  Holy  Scriptures."  There  are  in  this 
unpretending  volume  evidences  of  extensive  read- 
ing, many  words  set  in  the  strong  mortar  of  logic, 
and  passages  of  surpassing  pathos  and  eloquence. 

A  visit  to  Illinois,  in  company  with  a  brother-in- 
law,  and  a  sojourn  there  of  two  or  three  years, 
occupied  his  time  until  he  was  about  twenty-eight, 
since  which  his  home  has  been  in  Kentucky.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Louisville  Conference  a  few 
years,  and  has  been  local  since.  This  last  period 
was  dark  and  troublous.  It  saddens  me  to  think 
or  write  of  it.  Too  much  veneration  for  the  men 
and  opinions  of  pagan  antiquity ;  too  much  respect 
for  the  utterances  of  tlio  old  religions  of  the  East; 
too  much  love  for  German  neology,  had  well-nigh 
overshadowed  him.  The  darkness  became  so  deep, 
and  the  night  so  cold,  that  he  only  discerned  the 


REV.     JOHN     HENRY    YOUNa.  243 

excellences  of  tlic  Churcli  "through  a  glass 
darkly,"  and  his  love  for  her  ministry  was  greatly 
chilled.  After  reading  his  letters  for  the  last  two 
years,  I  am  compelled  to  make  this  candid  admis- 
sion. 

But  he  never  shipwrecked  his  faith  in  Jesus  of 
Nazareth.  In  answer  to  one  of  my  letters,  con- 
tending as  earnestly  for  the  faith  as  I  was  capable 
of  doing,  and  pleading  for  the  very  fringes  of  the 
tabernacle  of  Methodism,  he  holds  the  following 
language:  "But  you  say,  'Pantheistic  nonsense!' 
I  say,  '  Pantheistic  good  sense !'  You  say,  'A 
tissue  of  infidelity!'  I  say,  'A  tissue  of  natural 
and  revealed  morality  and  religion  !'  But  you  are 
'shocked.'  Wh}-,  you  answer  me  as  if  I  were 
Julian  the  Apostate,  or  Thomas  Paine !  All 
earthly  tribunals  are  fallible — liable  to  err;  they 
are  partial ;  some  are  kingly,  despotic.  There  is 
one  great  tribunal  to  which  I  am  amenable ;  that 
is,  the  tribunal  of  God  on  high.  There  I  shall 
receive  justice.  I  rejoice  to  know  this.  A  wise 
man  changes  sometimes ;  but  a  fool  never :  he  is 
always  a  fool.  I  am  not  the  enemy  of  any  man  or 
any  Church.  I  love  to  pray  for  my  enemies  and 
persecutors,  like  my  adorable  and  crucified  Saviour. 
I  can  still  say, 


244  P  E  U  S  0  N  A  G  E  S  . 

'Jcsu3,  lover  of  my  soul! 
Lot  me  to  tin/  bosom  fly !' 

"Brother,  I  am  for  virtue,  charity — universal 
benevolence.  I  love  all  good,  and  hate  all  evil. 
Am  sincere  in  all  I  do.  I  love  my  mother  and  my 
family;  I  love  my  brother  and  my  sisters;  I  love 
the  burial-places  of  my  father  and  my  children ;  I 
love  the  angels  of  God  in  heaven ;  I  love  God 
supremely^  and  Jesus  the  crucified.  I  will  preach 
him  while  living,  and  praise  him  when  dying ;  and 
in  heaven  sing  him  for  ever.  May  the  God  of 
Israel  bless  and  sanctify  you  wholly  !" 

"Praise  him  when  dying."  So  it  was,  thank 
Heaven  !  His  young  widow  says  to  me,  in  her  last 
letter,  "  Your  brother  is  dead !  Died  last  Friday, 
November  25th,  1859,  at  twelve  o'clock,  ^I.  lie 
was  sick  fifteen  days.  He  prayed  the  whole  time 
of  his  sickness,  died  in  his  right  mind,  and  died 
happy  in  Christ  Jesus.  This  is  all  that  comforts 
me." 

Milburn,  in  his  "  Chapters  from  an  Autobiogra- 
])hy,"  holds  out  a  solemn  warning  to  all  nascent 
and  speculative  minds — enough  to  make  them  <piito 
careful  and  prayerful,  when  they  venture  under  the 
influence  of  certain  great  minds;  great  minds, 
especially,  that  have  gone  wrong.    Here  is  another. 


REV.     JOHN    HENRY    YOUNG.  245 

And  I  mention  it  for  this  self-same  purpose.  Let 
this  stormy  mental  period  of  my  brother's  history 
alarm  those  who  are  inclining  from  "  the  narrow 
way"  —  forsaking  "the  old  paths."  The}-  may 
travel  on  right  thoughtfully  or  right  m'errily  along 
the  "broad  road,"  until  they  come  to  the  ford  of 
Jordan ;  then  all  such  wish  to  come  up  to  our 
fording -place.  Occasionally,  these  narrow -way 
travellers  get  startled  by  the  cavils  of  skepticism, 
or  feel  scandalized  by  the  ridicule  of  the  openly 
vicious.  But  wait  a  while.  Then  "  Mark  the  per- 
fect man,  and  behold  the  upright ;  for  the  end  of 
that  man  is  peace." 

My  brother's  earthly  existence  was  silent,  modest, 
and  melancholj'^ ;  he  had  no  talent  for  making  and 
surrounding  himself  with  groat  or  influential 
friends ;  never  passed  for  more  than  half  his  real 
worth,  I  think.  He  loved  the  obscure  and  poor, 
and  some  of  them  loved  him,  and  do  now  lament 
him.  Causation,  the  mystery  of  existence,  the 
badness  of  men,  and  want  of  friendship,  caused 
many  a  wave  of  trouble  to  roll  across  his  now 
peaceful  breast.  He  sleeps  his  final  sleep,  has 
fought  his  last  battle  with  smoke  and  error  and  sin, 
his  thoughtful  eyes  have  closed  upon  this  cold 
world,  and  his  spirit  summers  in  Paradise.     Ken- 


240  PERSONAGES. 

tucky  has  furnished  a  hospitable  grave  to  the  pale 
and  solemn  man,  who  itinerates  no  more.  Twelve 
hundred  people  received  into  the  Church  by  his 
hand  will  bless  him  for  ever.  Let  the  people  of 
Crittenden  county  treat  his  widow  and  babe  ten- 
derly. 

Lkxi.ngton,  Mo.,  January  25,  18G0. 


HON.    JORDAN    STOKES.  2-47 


HON.   JORDAN   STOKES, 

THE     SUCCESSFUL     PLEADER. 

I.  M.  JuLiEN  asked  mc  not  long  since,  "  Who  is 
this  Colonel  Stokes  of  Tennessee  ?  He  seems  to  be 
the  incarnation  of  eloquence ;  the  orator  of  that 
crowd."  My  friend  Julien  had  been  reading  of  the 
demonstrations  in  Louisville  and  Columbus,  in 
honor  of  the  Legislatures  of  Tennessee,  Kentucky, 
and  Ohio.  The  Tennessee  Legislature  had  gone 
over  to  Louisville,  where  they  had  been  joined  by 
the  Kentucky  Legislature,  and  where  Col.  Stokes 
made  a  speech  so  marvellously  eloquent,  as  to  as- 
tonish even  the  veterans  of  the  platform.  Both 
bodies  proceeded  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  Col. 
Stokes  grew  so  eloquent  again,  that  the  reporters 
were  charmed  into  forgetfulness  of  duty.  I  quote 
from  the  published  account :  "  The  jnoneers  of  Ken- 
iucbj^  Tennessee,  and  Ohio — a  band  of  brothers,  brave, 
honest,  and  noble.  May  their  descendants  emulate  their 
virtues.     The  response  to  this,  by  the  Hon.  Jordan 


248  PERSONAGES. 

Stokes,  of  Teniicsst'L',  was  .su  cloqueDt  in  il>  urms, 
that  we  have  to  regret  that  no  report  of  it  was  made 
or  ean  be  obtained.  It  was  a  most  stirring  appeal 
in  behalf  t»f  the  Union,  deelaring  the  fidelity  of 
Tennessee  to  the  Constitution  and  to  the  union  of 
the  people  in  one  eommon  national  brotherhood." 

I  will  answer  the  question.  lie  was  born  in 
Chatham  county,  IlTorth  Carolina,  about  forty-one 
years  ago,  of  highly  respectable  parents.  His 
father  was  killed  by  an  accident  on  his  way  to  the 
"West,  leaving  the  subject  of  this  sketch  only  six 
months  old.  The  widowed  mother,  with  three  small 
children,  proceeded  on  the  journey,  and  settled  in 
Smith  county,  Tennessee.  Ilere  young  Stokes  was 
educated  in  a  classical  school,  or  "college,"  as  it 
was  called,  by  two  gentlemen  eminently  qualified  to 
conduct  his  studies.  Tradition  says  that  he  studied 
from  daylight  until  midnight  almost  every  da}',  ex- 
cept Sundays,  for  years.  No  wonder  he  knows 
something  outside  of  law  and  politics,  and  no  won- 
der he  is  training  up  his  family  to  the  same  rigid 
discipline.  Col.  Stokes  had  completed  his  educa- 
tion, read  law  with  II.  J.  Meigs,  of  Nashville,  been 
admitted  to  the  bar,  and  elected  to  the  Legislature, 
before  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age  !  After  this 
he  settled  in  Lebanon,  Tennessee,  forming  a  law 


HON.     JORDAN     STOKES.  240 

partnership  with  the  Hon.  R.  L.  Carutlicrs,  now  on 
the  Supreme  Bench.  Here  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Martha  Jane  Frazcr,  daughter  of 
Dr.  James  and  Mrs.  Ilannali  Frazer,  October  11th, 
1842,  a  union  that  has  been  as  happy  and  prosper- 
ous as  the  ideal  of  a  novelist.  With  a  sensible, 
pious,  and  polished  wife,  well  bred,  well  managed, 
and  well  educated  children,  his  family-room  must 
be  a  domestic  Eden. 

"There  woman's  voice  flows  fortli  in  song, 
Or  childhood's  tale  is  told, 
Or  lips  move  tunefully  along 
Some  glorious  page  of  old." 

Col.  Stokes  has  been  eminent!}-  successful  in  his 
profession,  not  only  obtaining  a  very  large  and 
lucrative  practice,  l)ut  attaining  to  the  first  rank  as 
a  lawyer.  Law  with  him  is  the  science  of  right, 
and  he  realh'  loves  the  practice,  so  much  so,  that  a 
speech  of  his  on  a  dry  land-suit  interested  me  as 
greatly  as  one  of  Dr.  Baird's  lectures  on  Europe. 
It  is  positively  surprising  to  run  your  eye  up  and 
down  the  docket  of  the  Circuit  Court,  and  sec  how 
often  the  name  of  Stokes  appears.  I  once  lived  in 
Lebanon,  (1852-3,)  and  though  never  fond  of  court- 
liouses  or  courts,  it  was  always  convenient  for  mc 
to   be  present  when   he  argued  a  case.      lie  pro- 


250  PERSONAGES. 

nounces  well,  composes  well,  discusses  well,  paints 
well,  declaims  well,  pleads  well,  reaches  the  fans 
lachri/marinn  at  a  stroke,  and  in  his  loftiest  moods, 
when  he  reaches  the  white-heat  of  the  peroration, 
he  absolutely  owns  the  jury. 

Col.  Stokes  was  on  the  electoral  ticket  for  Scott, 
in  1852.  I  heard  his  last  speech  during  this  can- 
vass, the  day  before  the  election,  lie  made  the 
most  of  the  matter  he  had  on  hands ;  praised  the 
old  General  hugely.  The  day  was  raAV  and  rainy, 
the  crowd  not  very  highly  flushed  with  hope — ''  a 
hasty  plate  of  soup"  would  have  helped  mightily; 
but  the  speaker  elicited  many  rounds  of  hearty  ap- 
plause. The  truth  is,  I  never  liked  old  "Fuss  and 
Feathers"  much,  and  I  cannot  exactly  write  about 
this  speech  as  I  desire  to  do. 

Col.  Stokes  served  in  the  Legislature  in  1852,  as 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  again 
in  1860,  as  a  member  of  the  Senate.  He  was  also 
a  member  of  the  Baltimore  Convention  that  nomi- 
nated John  Bell  for  the  Tresidency. 

Col.  Stokes  has  not  sought  Congressional  honors, 
lie  might  have  been  elected  in  1853  easily,  but  re- 
fused to  run.  In  a  word,  I  should  say  he  has  no 
great  taste  for  politics.  He  sees  the  whirlpool  into 
wliieli  so  many  have  been   drawn  who  embarked 


HON.     JORDAN     STOKES.  251 

upon  this  dangerous  sea.  A  family  man,  so  quiet, 
SO  intellectual,  so  fond  of  literature  and  law,  and 
one  so  profoundly  sensible  of  the  value  of  religion, 
hesitates  to  venture  upon  its  dark  and  stormy 
waters.  I  predict,  however,  that  my  serene  friend 
will  some  day  take  his  seat  in  the  Senate  of  the 
United  States,  and,  like  Polk,  of  Missouri,  exhibit 
the  rare  spectacle  of  a  Christian  statesman  in  the 
nineteenth  century. 

My  observation  has  compelled  me  to  think  that, 
aside  from  law  and  politics,  lawyers  are  not  great 
students.  I  meet  them  on  the  promenade  or  on  the 
drive  too  often.  Chestnut  street  in  this  city  swarms 
with  them.  I  see  them  surrounded  by  clumps  of 
men,  and  thronging  the  rotundas  and  saloons  of 
hotels  too  frequently — lawyers  don't  study.  But  Col. 
Stokes  must  be  excepted.  He  is  fond  of  the  old 
sea-gods  'of  literature.  Plato  and  Bacon,  Butler 
and  Milton,  Shakspeare  and  Bunyan,  rule  his  spirit 
from  afar.     Nor  does  he  dislike  Parnassus,  when 

"  Ilis  nights  arc  filled  with  music, 
And  the  cares  (hat  infest  the  day 
Fold  up  their  tents  like  Arabs, 
And  as  silently  steal  away." 

Another  Book  there  is  to  which  he  is  no  stranger 
— "  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the 


252  PERSONAGES. 

soul:  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making 
wise  the  simple.  The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are 
right,  rejoicing  the  heart :  the  commandment  of  the 
Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes.  The  fear  of 
the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever :  the  judgments 
of  tlie  Lord  are  true  and  righteous  altogether." 

St.  Louis,  Sept.  25,  18G0. 


MAJOR     URIEL     WRIGHT.  253 


MAJOPv    URIEL   "WRIGHT, 

THE     WESTERN     LAWYER. 

In  my  last  I  drew  an  outline  of  the  Governor  of 
Missouri.  Since  then  he  has  heen  elected  to  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States  for  the  term  of  six 
years.  IN'ow  make  room,  on  your  first  page,  for  a 
sketch  of  Major  Uriel  Wright,  the  orator  of  ]Mis- 
souri. 

Great  men  may  be  divided  into  these  two  classes: 
First,  those  -who  have  a  great  reputation  abroad 
and  none  at  home.  Mr.  Tupper,  the  poet  and 
novelist,  belongs  to  this  class.  A  few  years  ago,  I 
met  an  English  D.  D.,  from  London,  who  had  never 
heard  of  Mr.  Tupper  or  his  books.  "  Surely,"  said 
he,  "you  are  mistaken!  If  there  were  an  author 
in  England  of  that  name,  I  should  have  known  it." 
Second,  those  who  possess  wonderful  popularity  at 
liome,  but  are  not  well  enough  known  abroad. 
Major  Wright,  the  scholai?,  the  lawyer,  the  orator, 
belongs  to  this  class.     Every  man  in  the  West,  who 


254  PERSONAGES. 

takes  and  reads  a  newspaper  for  a  few  years,  knows 
somctliing  of  Major  Wright;  still  he  lias  not  at- 
tained a  national  reputation. 

I  confess  I  had  never  heard  of  Iniii  until,  a  few 
years  ago,  I  came  to  make  my  home  in  the  metro- 
polis of  the  Great  West.  One  Monday  night  I 
saw  the  Old  Fourth  Street  Methodist  Church  lighted 
up.  I  stepped  in  —  saw  a  few  gentlemen  sitting 
together  around  the  stove.  One,  a  small  man,  with 
dark  complexion,  l»lack  hair,  and  black  eyes,  sat 
back  at  a  little  distance,  muffled  up  in  a  cloak,  and 
looking  so  very  quiet  that  he  scarcely  seemed  to 
breathe.  I  was  introduced  to  him  by  the  elder, 
Mr.  Finney,  who  said,  "  Let  me  introduce  you  to 
Brother  Wright,  one  of  the  stewards  of  our 
church."  From  the  evening  of  that  stewards'  and 
leaders'  meeting  until  the  present  moment,  our 
fricndsliip  has  been  uninterrupted. 

Major  AV^right  is  another  of  our  distinguished 
Methodist  laymen.  If  you  attend  the  First  Church 
in  St.  Louis,  and  remain  in  with  Mr.  Finney's  class, 
which  he  leads  immediatel}'  after  morning  service, 
you  will  likely  meet  with  him,  and  hear  him  talk 
in  class-meeting.  He  will  say  something  that  will 
edify  you.  If  you  step  into  the  lecture-room  of  the 
same  church  on  the  evening  of  their  general  prayer- 


MAJOR     URIEL     WRIGHT.  255 

meeting,  the  pastor  will  likely  call  on  liim  to  lead 
in  prayer;  and  you  may  hear  a  prayer,  to  every 
petition  of  whicli  yoji  can  heartily  respond.  Amen  ! 
Should  you  enter  one  of  their  love-feasts,  held  on 
Monday  night  of  each  quarterly  meeting,  you  will 
be  likely  to  hear  a  speech  from  him  that  will  elec- 
trify you.  And  when  the  altar  is  surrounded  with 
penitent  sinners,  seeking  the  religion  of  our  Sa- 
viour, he  does  not  consider  his  position  too  exalted 
to  labor  with  them,  weeping  wdth  those  who  weep, 
and  rejoicing  with  them  that  do  rejoice. 

In  ^March,  1854,  a  revival  meeting  was  held  in 
the  Old  Fourth  Street  Church.  The  pastor  was 
somewhat  fatigued,  and  had  invited  Major  "Wright 
to  conduct  the  services  for  one  evening,  giving  him 
only  a  few  hours'  notice.  At  seven  o'clock  he 
walked  up  into  the  altar,  sang  a  h^^ran,  offered 
prayer,  read  a  portion  of  the  third  chapter  of 
John's  Gospel,  explained  the  nature  of  the  iieio 
birth,  and  called  for  "  mourners,"  in  such  a  style,  and 
with  such  success,  as  would  have  led  any  stranger 
to  suppose  that  he  was  pastor  of  the  church.  A 
few  Sundays  after  this,  the  Asbury  Chapel  was 
crowded  with  people  —  children,  i-)arent8,  friends. 
It  was  the  occasion  of  their  Sunday-school  Anni- 
versary.     Major  Wright   was  present,  by  sjiecial 


256  PERSONAGES. 

invitation,  and  delivered  the  Anniversary  Address, 
AV'lien  the  great  Sunday-school  Convention  for  the 
AVest  assembled  liere  in  the  s|^ring  of  ISoo,  Major 
Wright  was  selected  to  deliver  the  speech  of  the 
occasion.  More  than  one  thousand  persons,  includ- 
ing children,  crammed  into  the  Verandah  Hall  to 
hear  him. 

I  mention  these  things  simply  to  show  how  n 
irabf  (jTeat  hian,  with  an  immense  legal  practice,  and 
a  wide  popularity,  can  afford  to  make  himself  iiseffd. 
lie  is  not  afraid  of  turning  the  attention  of  the 
puhlic  from  liimself  to  the  cause  of  Christianity. 
Ponder  these  statements,  ye  little-great  men — ye 
semi-celebrities — throughout  the  land;  and  if  in- 
deed you  have  any  light,  let  it  shine. 

At  present,  Major  AVright  lives  quietly,  and  with 
sufficient  elegance,  on  the  corner  of  Eighth  and 
Pine,  St.  Louis.  He  is  a  native  of  the  Old  Domin- 
ion, and  a  graduate  of  one  of  her  venerable  literary 
institutions.  His  wife  was  born  and  raised  in  the 
same  State,  and  is  cra'i/  W(t>j  worthy  of  her  gifted 
husband.  Ilcr  piety  and  J)r.  Boyle's  preaching, 
under  the  blessing  of  Cod,  led  him  to  Christ.  I 
may  also  add,  the  son  and  the  daughter  are  worthy 
of  their  excellent  parents. 

About  thirty  years  ago,  Uriel  Wright  began  his 


MAJOR     URIEL     AV  RIGHT.  257 

career  as  a  lawyer,  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
State  of  Missouri.  He  culminated  ahiiost  at  a 
single  bound.  As  a^  pleader,  he  has  stood  at  the 
head  of  the  list  in  the  State  of  Missouri,  for  at  least 
twenty  years.  I  never  expect  to  hear  this  state- 
ment disputed.  ]More :  since  the  death  of  S.  S. 
Prentiss,  Uriel  Wright  is  by  far  the  most  eloquent 
lawyer  and  politician  in  the  Mississippi  Valle3\ 
He  has  devoted  his  life  to  his  favorite  profession, 
and  he  understands  it;  and,  remember,  there  is  no 
intuition  in  the  law — it  must  be  read,  studied,  mas- 
tered, and  remembered.  Said  a  distinguished 
judge  to  me,  a  few  evenings  ago,  "Major  Wright 
is  the  most  wonderfully  adroit  man  that  ever  man- 
aged a  case  in  m^'  presence.  I  question,  sir,  if  he 
has  an  equal  in  the  nation."  A  very  intelligent 
ph3'sician  was  talking  to  me,  not  long  since,  on  the 
subject  of  public  speaking.  Said  he,  "In  arrang- 
ing for  a  debate,  a  man  should  always  avoid,  if  he 
can,  following  the  most  powerful  effort.  Judge 
Bates's  speech,  in  the  celebrated  'Child's  case,'" 
continued  he,  "  would  have  done  him  great  credit, 
if  he  had  not  followed  Major  Wright." 

Major  Wright  has  not  sought  to  figure  largely 
cither  in  State  or  national  politics.  He  has  served 
his  party  once  or  twice  as  an  Elector  in  his  own 


258  PERSONAGES. 

Congressional  District,  or  for  the  State  at  large. 
He  has  been  spoken  of  by  his  friends  for  a  seat  in 
the  Senate  of  the  United  States  several  times ;  and, 
I  am  inclined  to  think,  he  will  yet  be  a  member  of 
that  body. 

Major  Wright  has  not  written  mnch  for  the 
public.  His  lectures  before  the  various  associa- 
tions, and  his  orations  before  colleges  and  fairs, 
would  make  a  handsome  volume,  if  collected  to- 
gether. His  printed  addresses  show  the  rhetorician 
as  well  as  the  orator.  He  says  he  studied  "  Old" 
Booth  and  ^Ir.  Clay,  when  he  was  a  young  man. 
He  might  add  Hugh  Blair  and  Lord  Kames,  I 
think. 

Major  Wright  is  well  read,  outside  of  his  profes- 
sion. His  favorite  author  is  Dr.  John  Harris.  He 
will  regret  Harris's  death,  mainly  because  the 
world  will  get  no  more  books  from  his  prolific 
brain.  The  subject  of  my  sketch  is  a  little  turned 
of  fifty. 

Jefferson  City,  Mo.,  Feb.  5,  1857. 


REV.     GEORGE    COPWAY.  259 


REY.   GEORGE    COTWAY, 

THE     0  J  E  B  W  A  Y     INDIAN. 

"  Big  Injun  Me  /"  This  quotation  may  convey  to 
tlic  mind  of  the  reader  an  idea  of  the  impression 
wliich  the  Reverend  George  Copway  has  left  upon 
many  of  our  citizens.  He  fed  our  listeners  on  lec- 
tures so  long,  and  so  plentifully  supplied  them  with 
his  literar}"  slop,  during  the  last  winter,  they  are 
now  ready  and  willing  to  give  in  their  testimony  that 
the  fountain  from  which  it  proceeded  is  rather  a 
huge  one  !     Here  is  mine. 

Copway  is  an  Ojebway — "  full  blood"  and  no  mis- 
take. I  say  Ojebway,  because  this  is  the  correct 
orthography  and  pronunciation.  The  French,  in 
Canada,  either  could  not  pronounce  or  would  not 
pronounce  Ojebway,  but  said  Chippewa.  Hence  the 
origin  of  the  word  Chippewa.  Tliis  item  of  infor- 
mation I  received  from  Copway  himself.  He  lived 
in  the  forest,  with  his  family  and  his  nation,  until 
he  was  well-uigh  grown.     About  this  time,  he  and 


260  PEllSONAGES. 

a  few  other  Indian  boj's  entered  a  scliool  in  Jack- 
sonville, Illinois,  I  believe.  This  school  was  under 
the  direction  of  Rev.  Peter  Akers,  D.  D.,  now  Pre- 
sident of  McKcndree  College.  Here  he  completed 
an  education  which  is  hy  no  means  extensive. 
Since  his  academical  curriculum,  Copway  has  kept 
himself  busy,  preaching,  lecturing,  and  writing  for 
Indians  and  "Whites" — for  Americans  and  Euro- 
peans. 

As  a  j^reachcr,  he  has  not  succeeded.  First,  be- 
cause he  is  a  man  of  dress — amazingly  fond  of  fine 
garments — "perfectly  devoted  to  perfumes."  Se- 
cond, because  he  is  a  ladies'-mau,  and  if  living  in 
London,  would  frequently  be  seen  in  the  Park, 
"Avith  lady  at  his  side."  Third,  because  he  is  not 
zealous — does  not  liave  his  "  work  greatly  at  heart." 
Fourth,  Ijecause  he  is  like  some  other  clerical  mos- 
quitoes—  does  not  remain  in  any  one  place  long 
enough  to  make  "  full  proof  of  his  ministry."  And 
fifth,  because  he  is  an  Indian,  and,  being  an  Indian, 
has  no  idea  of  abstract  truths. 

As  a  lecturer,  he  has  succeeded  amazingly.  First, 
because  he  is  an  American  Count  D'Orsay.  Second, 
because  in  female  circles  he  "takes  eight  eyes  out 
of  ten."  Third,  because  his  religious  scruples  do 
not  obstruct  his  flight  through  the  mid-heaven  of 


REV.     GEORGE     COP  WAY.  261 

the  marvellous.  Fourth,  because  he  is  not  a  man 
for  solitude,  but  for  society — can  sit  for  pictures, 
dine  on  beef  and  sup  on  oysters,  and  talk  the  while. 
No  hand  is  more  welcome  to  ring  an  up-town  bell 
than  Copway's.  Fifth,  because  he  makes  the  ac- 
quaintance of  writers  and  editors,  and  asks  them  to 
notice  his  last  lecture.  Sixth,  because  these  words : 
"  The  Indian  Chief  !"  at  the  head  of  his  enormous 
posters,  may  be  read  across  a  square.  Seventh,  be- 
cause he  is  an  astonishingly  eloquent  Indian,  the 
thunder  of  whose  voice  is  never  stayed  in  mid-vol- 
\ey.     And  last,  because  he  has  been  to  Europe  ! 

As  an  author,  he  has  produced  four  volumes : 
"Recollections  of  Forest  Life,"  which  I  presume  is 
a  sort  of  autobiography  of  George  Copway ;  "  Tra- 
ditional History  of  the  Ojebway  jSTation;"  "The 
Ojebway  Conquest,"  which  I  understand  is  a  poeti- 
cal love-story ;  and  an  "  Indian's  Views  in  Europe," 
which  I  suppose  chronicles  his  pilgrimage  to  the 
great  Peace  Convention  in  Germany.  Besides  these 
works,  Copway  has  addressed  a  pamphlet  or  so  to 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  to  enlighten  the 
darkened  understaiulings  of  its  memliers  on  Indian 
Aflairs ;  and  written  articles  innumerous  for  the 
political  and  literary  newspai^ers  and  magazines  of 
our   country.      Indeed,    he    supports   himself   and 


2G2  PERSONAGES. 

family  bj  writing  for  the  press  one  half  of  the  year, 
and  lecturing  for  the  public  the  other  half. 

I  infer,  from  some  of  his  conversations,  that  Cop- 
way's  literary  acquaintances  are  many,  and  of  the 
first  rank.  He  speaks  of  Cambridge  and  Henry 
Longfellow  as  one  would  of  his  birthplace  and  the 
pleasant  companion  of  his  youth.  lie  mentions  poor 
Nathaniel  "Willis,  dying  with  consumption,  as  ten- 
derly and  familiarly  as  one  talks  of  a  domestic  who 
is  a  hopeless  invalid.  Anne  C.  Lynch  and  Emma 
C.  Embury  are  his  faithful  friends.  And  so  of  many 
others  ! 

He  delivered  many  lectures,  in  many  places,  before 
many  audiences,  and  on  several  dilfcreut  subjects, 
while  he  remained  in  the  city ;  but  as  I  did  not 
hear  them  all,  and  as  those  I  did  hear  were  of  vari- 
ous merits,  let  an  analysis  of  his  first  lecture  sufiice. 
It  appeared  as  an  editorial  in  one  of  our  morning 
papers,  and  as  I  wrote  the  editorial,  I  shall  appro- 
priate it. 

Mr.  Copway,  the  Indian  Lecturer. — "We  were 
on  last  Thursday  evening,  where  the  reader  ought 
to  be  this  evening,  at  the  Centenary  Methodist 
Church,  listening  to  one  of  Mr.  Copway's  Indian 
lectures.  The  spacious  church  was  elegantly  lighted, 
and  tolerably  well  filled  by  some  of  our  most  intel- 


REV.     GEORGE     COP  WAY.  263 

ligent  citizens,  with  here  and  there  a  stray  hero-wor- 
shipper like  ourself.  We  noticed  that  "the  cloth," 
including  Kev.  Dr.  Akers,  of  Lehanon,  111.,  were 
well  represented  on  the  occasion — the  lecturer  him- 
self being  a  clergyman. 

At  half-past  seven  o'clock,  Mr.  Copway,  every  inch 
a  Red-man,  walked  out  in  the  chancel  before  a  de- 
lighted auditory.  When  we  saw  him,  we  thought 
Nature  had  fallen  in  love  with  herself,  and  had  lav- 
ished her  charities  upon  his  magnificent  form.  Mr. 
C.  began  by  singing  a  solo  in  his  laud's  language. 
Then  came  the  lecture,  instructive,  amusing,  poetic, 
witty,  eloquent,  and  interesting,  from  "  Ladies  and 
Gentlemen,"  to  the  final  bow.  The  elegancies  of 
Meagher  pleased  us — the  witticisms  and  puns  of 
Saxe  made  us  laugh — the  philosophizing  of  Giles 
provoked  us  to  think ;  but  the  stormy  eloquence  of 
the  Indian  heated  our  blood  "  from  the  scalp  to  the 
ankle."  He  is  a  living  specimen  of  the  highest 
style  of  oratory — the  natural.  He  is  a  Titan  among 
a  brood  of  Titans — a  Boanerges  among  Sons  of 
Thunder. 

Ilis  subject  for  the  evening  was,  "  Tlie  Religious 
Belief,  Poetry,  and  Eloquence  of  the  North  Ameri- 
can Indians."  Mr.  Copway  said,  the  Indians  be- 
lieve in  the  Great  Spirit,  or  Bouevolent  Spirit,  or 


264  r  r,  r  s  o  x  ages. 

Merciful  Spirit:  that,  after  searcliing  lonu:  •'^kI  pa- 
tiently for  his  ahode,  they  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  his  whjiram  was  the  sun ;  that  fathers  instructed 
tlu'ir  children  around  tlio  dying  embers  of  their 
camp-lircs  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Great  Spirit ; 
that  wherever  there  was  any  thing  mysterious  in 
nature — any  thing  he  could  not  understand — in  the 
belief  of  the  Indian,  there  was  Spirit.  He  believed 
there  was  Spirit  in  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  for  example, 
lie  said  that  the  Indians  believed  in  another 
Spirit — the  Evil  Spirit:  that  he  lived  under  the 
earth  ;  that  he  was  in  the  form  of  a  serpent  of  in-  • 
credible  length,  having  horns  longer  than  the  tallest 
pine;  that  they  offered  more  sacrifices  to  appease 
the  wrath  of  the  Evil  Spirit  than  they  did  to  pro- 
pitiate the  ftivor  of  the  Good  Spirit ;  that  the  Evil 
Spirit  caused  all  the  sin  and  suffering  of  the  world. 
Tliis  is  the  belief  of  the  Indians  of  North  and 
South  America,  and  the  islands  of  the  ocean.  Upon 
tliis  article  of  religion,  in  the  unwritten  creed  of 
the  Indian,  he  predicated  an  argument  for  the 
unity  of  the  races;  inasmuch  as  Moses,  in  Gene- 
sis, represents  Satan,  who  "brought  death  into  the 
world,  and  all  our  woe,"  in  the  form  of  a  serpent. 
The  blow  which  the  "  Poor  Indian"  gave  the  theory 
of  Dr.  McDowell  here  was  decidedly  healthy. 


REV.     GEORGE     C  0  P  W  A  Y .  265 

\ 

The  lecturer  then  spoke  of  the  Poetry  of  the 
Indian :  said  that  it  was  not  written  poetry ;  that 
the  Indian  could  not  write  such  poetry  as  the  white 
man  wrote  :  the  Indian's  poetry  was  the  poetry  of 
nature.  Here  he  gave  a  glowing  picture  of  the 
lovely  Valley  of  Wyoming,  which  once  belonged  to 
his  kindred.  This  description  was  a  2^^^ose  j^ocm 
about  twenty  minutes  in  length.  The  strong  and 
gorgeous  web  of  his  eloquence  caught  easily  such 
liies  as  Akers,  McAnally,  Hogan,  and  ourself.  He 
met  a  young  lad}"  in  the  Valley  of  "Wyoming,  who 
said  she  had  been  sitting  upon  the  very  rock  where 
Thomas  Campbell  sat  when  he  wrote  "  Gertrude 
of  Wyoming!"  She  did  not  know  that  Campbell 
had  never  visited  America ! 

On  the  Eloquence  of  the  Indian,  Mr.  Copway  was 
very  happy  :  said  the  eloquence  of  the  Indian  em- 
braced these  three  elements — simplicity,  earnestness, 
and  the  correct  use  of  figures.  His  people  were 
simple — their  language  did  not  afford  them  many 
words.  They  were  earnest — their  public  speakers 
were  not  like  the  clergyman  he  had  heard,  while 
making  the  tour  of  Europe,  whose  action  and  mo- 
notony he  then  imitated.  Their  eloquence  was 
highly  figurative :  all  great  thought  links  itself  to 
imagery,  but  tlieir  figures  were  drawn  from  nature. 
9 


2C)(\  P  E  R  S  0  N  A  (1  E  S  . 

The  lecturer  concliulcd  by  giving  his  audience  a  few 
specimens  of  Indian  clo<nicncc.  We  inferred  from 
his  final  remarks,  on  Thursday  evening,  that  Mr. 
Copway  intends  to  educate  a  number  of  Indian  boys 
with  the  money  secured  by  these  lectures.  Let  his 
houses  be  crowded. 

"The  Indian  Chief"  tarried  in  St.  Louis  several 
weeks.  lie  enjoyed  the  hospitalities  of  one  of  our 
elegant  private  families,  and  "dined  out"  perhaps 
as  often  as  any  gentleman  then  in  the  city,  lie 
lectured  before  our  congregations,  public  schools, 
in  the  Mercantile  Library  Hall,  and  before  some  of 
the  secret  orders  to  Avhich  he  belonged.  lie  preached 
in  almost  every  Methodist  church  in  the  place — was 
present  and  took  a  part  in  the  services  on  the  day 
of  general  Thanksgiving  —  was  also  present  and 
took  a  part  in  one  of  the  dedicator}--  services  of  the 
First  Methodist  Church;  and  endeavored  to  render 
himself  agreeable  and  useful  generall3\ 

Copway's  great  enterprise,  with  which  he  dazzles 
the  eyes  of  the  public,  and  creates  for  himself  some 
attention  in  Wasliiiigton  City,  is  this:  He  wants  the 
Government  to  give  him  a  small  piece  of  land, 
somewhere  in  the  JSTorth-west.  On  this  he  proposes 
to  erect  a  seminary  for  the  education  of  Indian  boys : 
two  or  three  boys  are  to  be  selected  from  each  In- 


REV.     GEORGE     C  0  P  W  A  Y .  267 

(liun  tribe,  and  all  educated  together  in  this  school. 
After  they  finish  their  education,  the  hoys  are  to  be 
sent  back  to  their  respective  tribes.  There  the}'  are 
to  agitate  the  people,  and  to  correspond  with  each 
other  on  the  subject,  until,  finally,  all  the  Indian 
tribes  of  the  West  and  North-west  shall  be  amal- 
gamated, civilized,  educated,  christianized,  and  per- 
petuated. This  is  Copway's  grand  enterprise ;  and 
allow  me  to  say  that,  in  my  humble  judgment,  it 
would  be  diflicult  to  find  an  Indian,  from  Greenland 
to  California,  less  likel}^  to  carry  it  out  than  him- 
self. 

Copway  is  about  thirty-five  j-cars  of  age — is  mar- 
ried to  an  English  lady  of  considerable  family — and 
resides  in  !N'ew  York  city.  They  have  baptized  one 
child. 

St.  Louis,  April  1,  1855. 


268  PERSONAGES. 


"FATTTER"    JOHN    IIERSEY, 

T  II  E     W  A  N  D  E  R  I  N  G     1'  K  E  A  CHER. 

It  is  singuliu*  enough  tluit  your  St.  Louis  corrc- 
spoudcut  failed  to  mention  the  name  of  tlie  most 
noticeable  of  all  the  notables  who  attended  the  late 
session  of  our  Conference.  It  would  have  been 
precisely  like  Marvin  to  have  chronicled  the  fact  of 
his  visit,  and  recorded  the  impressions  he  made; 
for  Marvin  loves  the  righteous  man,  and  holds  him 
in  everlasting  remembrance.  And  Lcftwich,  too — 
an  admirable  skctcher — from  whose  table  went 
much  of  tj[ic  "copy"  that  made  up  the  " Daily,'' 
did  not  add  greatly  to  the  sacred  fame  of  the 
venerable  jji-eacher.  But,  then,  Father  Horsey 
came  in  so  late,  sat  so  far  back,  and  (U'lncancd 
himself  so  meekly  and  quietly,  that  few  would 
think  of  mentioning  his  name,  except  some  one, 
like  myself,  looking  up  a  ^'character."  During  the 
most   interesting   and    exciting,    and    even   .slonii>j 


FATHER    JOHN     H  E  R  S  E  Y .  209 

periods  of  tlie  debates  that  characterized  our  late 
session,  the  form  and  face  of  Father  Ilersey  might 
have  been  seen,  far  back  from  the  Bishop,  cahn 
and  serene,  as  if 

"Not  a  wave  of  (rouble  rolled 
Across  his  peaceful  breast." 

I  do  not  now  call  to  mind  that  the  wonderful  old 
man  was  even  introduced  to  the  Conference;  pre- 
sume that  he  was  asked,  and  refused. 

Father  Hersey  is  tall,  and  lean,  and  has  passed 
his  three-score  years  and  ten ;  clothes  himself  in 
tweed  kerseymere,  made  up  in  the  stjde  qf  the 
eighteenth  ccntur}',  and  tiles  himself  with  a  broad- 
l>rim.  His  hat  and  coat  are  without  l>and,  binding, 
or  button.  He  told  me  that  he  was  an  ignorant  old 
man — very  ignorant- — had  but  little  education  ;  had 
read  scarcely  any  thing;  knew  nothing  but  what 
lie  had  learned  from  the  Bible,  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and  human  nature,  llemarkable  sources  of  infor- 
mation !  thought  I.  It  was  inferred,  from  his  con- 
versation, tliat  he  was  a  Virginian  or  Marylander ; 
had  been  bred  to  the  mercantile  profession ;  had, 
early  in  life,  failed  for  several  thousand  dollars; 
liad  seen  "the  vain  pomp  and  glory  of  this  world," 


270  PERSONAGES. 

and  "renounced  them  all ;"  had  never  belonged  to 
any  Annual  Conference ;  but  had  been  "  wandering 
around  this  world  of  care,"  preaching  the  pure 
gospel,  and  paying  off  his  debts.  The  last  one  was 
old — very  old — but  "the  uttermost  farthing"  had 
been  paid ! 

Father  Ilersey  rises  at  four — attends  to  his  ablu- 
tions and  devotions — reads  the  Bible  on  his  knees — 
preaches  at  five  M'herever  he  can  get  a  congrega- 
tion— breakfasts — spends  the  morning  going  "  about 
doing:  srood" — letting  his  "lisrht  shine  before  men" 
— dines  sparingly — sometimes  preaches  in  the  after- 
noon^  sometimes  at  night.  He  is  "  a  terror  to  evil- 
doers"— reproves  men  for  talking,  chewing,  smok- 
ing, drinking,  money-making,  money-spending — 
for  "all  carnal  desires  of  the  flesh,"  and  "all 
covetous  desires  of  the  same,"  and  insisted  that  I 
ought  to  throw  in  my  cane  to  the  Missionary 
treasury — reproves  women  for  "  softness  and  need- 
less self-indulgence" — for  "high  heads,  ruffles,  and 
riTigs" — for  want  of  humility,  faith,  good  works, 
family  government — so  that  the  jj^acen^  uxor  ex- 
claims, "  He  makes  the  road  to  heaven  so  narrow, 
I  am  afraid  I  never  can  Avalk  therein."  This  is 
no   fancy  sketch.     I  visited  in  the  family  where 


FATHEll     JOHN     II  E  11  S  E  Y  .  271 

he    stopped,   and    heard    liim    repeatedly   at   five 
o'clock. 

Father  Hersey  meets  his  cougregations  promptly , 
does  not  read  the  lessons,  sings  a  short  hymn, 
oftcrs  a  brief  prayer  of  his  own,  omits  the  Lord's 
Prayer,  announces  a  plain  text,  preaches  a  short 
sermon,  remarkable  for  method  and  perspicuity, 
and  filled  with  memorable  sayings  and  aptest  illus- 
trations. I  liked  every  thing  he  did  and  said, 
except  when  he  intimated  that  his  exposition  of  a 
chapter  in  the  Book  of  Revelation  had  been 
revealed  to  him  by  the  Holy  Spirit  many  years  ago. 

Father  Hersey  has  been  w^andering  around 
through  the  State  of  ^lissouri  for  several  months  ; 
and  when  it  was  announced  that  he  expected  to 
attend  our  Conference,  and  preach  ever}-  morning  at 
five,  the  young  preachers  w^ere  delighted ;  but  some 
of  the  graver  elders  thought  there  would  be  no 
congregations  at  that  hour.  However,  the  preacher 
came  to  time,  and  the  ample  chapel  of  the  First 
Church  was  well  filled  ;  and  the  precious  treasures 
of  that  hour  \\\\\  be  kept  in  the  storehouse  of 
memor}'^  until  the  last  light  fades. 

His  text  was,  "  For  God  hath  not  given  us  the 
spirit  of  fear ;  but  of  power,  and  of  love,  and  of  a 


272  PERSONAGES. 

sound  mind,"  Tlic  next  morning  be  preaclied 
from,  "  Tvcdecming  the  time,  because  tbe  days  are 
evil."  The  third  from,  "I  will  give  power  unto 
my  two  witnesses,  and  they  shall  prophesy  a  thou- 
sand two  hundred  and  three-score  da}  s,  clothed  in 
sackcloth."  Then  again  in  the  afternoon,  to 
parents,  On  the  training  of  children.  Like  all  old 
bachelors,  he  deems  that  he  understands  this  sub- 
ject thoroughly,  and  can  emit  floods  of  light 
thereon. 

Father  Hersey  is  singularly  unselfish.  lie  tells 
the  people,  wherever  he  goes,  that  he  does  not 
preach  for  money,  that  he  does  not  want  any 
money — that  the  people  give  him  more  money  and 
•  clothes  than  he  needs.     Now, 

"Ye  cliff  "rent  sects,  who  all  declare, 
Lo  I  Christ  is  here,  or  Christ  is  there," 

show  us  another  man  travelling  over  the  country, 
and  talking  in  this  style. 

He  preaches  frequently  about  clothes.  A  humor- 
ous Old  Virginia  preacher  says:  "His  mission  to 
the  Africans  was  a  fiiilure  for  this  reason :  the 
congregations  drew  up  to  him  almost  in  a  state  of 
nudity,  and  Father  Hersey  (having  never  preached 


FATHER  JOHN   HERSEY.        273 

about  any  thing  but  clothes)  had  nothing  to  say ; 
and  finally  came  home."  This  is  all  pleasantry — 
for  the  old  man  is  a  good  sermonizcr,  and  a  deeply 
spiritual  preacher.  lie  is  coming  South  this  winter, 
and  is  hereby  cordially  invited  to  visit 

Lebanon,  Tennessee. 


274  PERSONAGES. 


JOHN   G.   SAXE,  ESQ., 

THE     HUMORIST. 

I  HAVE  the  pleasure  of  introducing  to  my  readers 
John  G.  Saxe,  Esq.,  of  Vermont,  a  peculiarly  pun- 
gent, pain-producing,  poetical  pyrotechnist !  He  is 
not  only  a  person,  hut  a  personage,  having  been  at 
diflFerent  times  a  farmer,  a  collegian,  a  schoolmaster, 
4  a  lawyer,  an  editor,  a  contributor,  a  traveller,  a 
public  lecturer,  and  an  inspector  of  customs  at  Bur- 
lington. < 
Unlike  one  of  his  own  heroines, 

•♦  WliDsc  birth,  inJce«l,  was  uncommonly  h'njJi, 
For  Mi.^s  Macliridi'  iirst,  opeueil  licr  oye 
Through  a  xkii-liiihl  dim,  on  the  light  of  the  sky," 

John  G.  Saxe  first  opened  liis  eycn  in  a  farmer's 
cottngc ;  like  llobert  Burns,  "  a  ploughman,  the 
son  of  a  ploughman."  He  was  born  at  Highgatc, 
Franklin  county,  Vermont,  on  the  2d  day  of  June, 
1816;  consequently  he  is  about  thirty-eight  years 


JOHN     G.     SAXE,     ESQ.  275 

old.  His  boyhood  has  been  taken  in  the  following 
st3-le:  "Bred  on  a  farm,  John  cultivated  pump- 
kins instead  of  puns  until  he  was  seventeen.  In- 
deed, his  awful  habit  of  punning  did  not  develop 
itself  to  an  alarming  extent  until  he  was  of  age. 
Ilis  youth  of  innocence  did  not  overshadow  his 
wicked  literary  career.  Little  did  the  world  know, 
when  John  was  dropping  corn  and  pumpkin  seeds, 
raking  hay  and  digging  potatoes,  like  any  other 
honest  and  industrious  swain,  that  he  would  one 
day  be  '  riding  on  a  rail'  over  the  country,  drawing 
people  together  in  lecture-rooms,  and  then  sending 
them  home  with  their  mouths  ajar  and  the  side- 
ache." 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  Mr.  Saxe  took  formal 
leave  of  rural  occupations,  and  entered  the  gram- 
mar-school at  St,  Albans.  Some  fathers  rush  their 
sons  and  some  sons  rush  themselves  into  college  at 
a  very  tender  age.  Such  boys  are  then  rushed 
tlirough  college,  and  rushed  into  one  of  the  lil)cral 
professions,  or  into  business.  After  this  they  arc 
generally  rushed  into  disgraceful  mediocrity,  or  loss 
of  health,  or  bankruptcy.  Farmer  Saxe  permitted 
liis  son  to  remain  quietly  at  home  until  his  physical 
constitution  was  matured.  He  was  of  the  opinion 
that  a  great  mind  ought  to  have,  if  possible,  a  large 


27G  PERSONAGES. 

IVaino  to  Btruc:glc  in.  Mr.  Saxe  liimself  was  con- 
tented to  enter  a  grammar-school  at  seventeen,  and 
after  entering  it,  he  "was  contented  to  study.  After 
wasting  a  part  of  liis  substance  in  riotous  living  on 
tlie  roots  of  Greek  words,  Mr.  Saxe  left  St.  Albans, 
and  entered  Middlebury  College.  Here  he  re- 
mained four  years,  and  was  graduated  Bachelor  of 
Arts  in  the  summer  of  1830. 

Rufus  Wilmot  Griswold,  the  doomsday -book 
maker,  the  old  dry-nurse  of  the  Poets  and  Poetry 
of  America,  and  the  most  learned  bibliographer  in 
our  country,  says:  "I  remember  that  Avhon  Mr. 
Saxe  was  in  college  he  was  well  known  for  his 
manly  character,  good  sense,  genial  humor,  and, 
for  an  under-graduate,  large  acquaintance  with  lite- 
rature. He  preserves,  with  lilting  increase,  his 
good  reputation.  Besides  writing  with  such  de- 
lightful point  and  facility,  he  is  one  of  the  best  con- 
versationists, and  wastes  more  wit  in  a  day  than 
M'ould  set  up  a  V'aukee  'I'uncli,'  or  a  score  of 
'  Yankee  Doodles.'  He  is  a  good  general  scholar, 
'  Avcll  read  in  llic  best  English  authors,  and,  besides 
his  comical  compositions,  has  produced  many  pieces 
of  grace  and  tenderness,  that  evince  a  genuine 
poetical  feeling  and  ability." 

At  least  one  half  of  the  distinguished  men  of  our 


JOHN     (1 .     S  A  X  E  ,     E  8  Q .  277 

nation  have  been,  at  some  period  of  tlieir  lives, 
teachers  of  youth.  Our  land,  like  every  other  en- 
lightened and  Christian  land,  generally  renders 
"honor  to  whom  honor  is  due ;"  consequently  we 
honor  the  private  or  public  instructor  of  children 
and  youth.  Here  Mr.  Saxe  is  in  "  the  regular  suc- 
cession." For  many  a  weary  day,  in  the  once 
famous  academy  of  Lewiston,  ISTew  York,  did  he 
listen  to  the  ••' hic-h.ec-hocking"  of  girls  and  boys. 

Having  at  last  filled  those  empty  spaces  which 
v>crc  not  made  for  emptiness,  Mr.  Saxe  entered 
upon  the  study  of  the  law  at  Lockport,  and  was 
afterwards  legall}^  finished  at  St.  Albans,  where  he 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  September,  1843.  Thus, 
at  the  age  of  twenty-seven — quite  early  enough,  as 
I  might  prove,  by  reference  to  those  who  have  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  learned  professions — he 
entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  profession,  and 
began  to  practice  in  the  courts  of  the  county.  Dr. 
Griswold  says  he  has  had  more  than  the  average 
success  of  young  lawyers,  and  a  writer  in  the  West- 
ern Literary  Register  says  he  has  held  the  office  pf 
District  Attorney.  In  addition  to  his  legal  and 
jiolitical  gains,  Mr.  Saxe,  "I  calculate,"  has  realized 
something  handsome  in  the  last  few  years  by  edit- 
ing and  publishing  the  Burlington  Sentinel,  by  con- 


278  PERSONAGES. 

tributing  to  the  Boston  Morning  Tost  and  the 
Knickerbocker  Magazine,  and  by  bringing  out,  in 
handsome  style,  from  tlie  liousc  of  Messrs.  Tick- 
nor,  Reed  k  Fiekls,  Boston,  a  volume  of  his 
poems. 

If  Mr.  Saxe  has  been  abroad,  I  am  not  aware  of 
the  fact ;  but  he  has  travelled  extensively  about 
home.  His  poetical  lecture  on  "Yankee-land," 
which,  l>y  the  way,  is  in  true  Sax-on  heroic  verse, 
lias  been  recited  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty 
times  in  as  many  cities  and  villages.  As  he  jour- 
neys over  the  land,  he  enjoys  himself  hugely. 
Hear  how  he  sings  : 

"Singing  through  the  forests, 

Rattling  over  ridges, 
Shooting  under  arches, 

Rumbling  over  bridges ; 
Whizzing  tlirougli  the  mountains, 

Buzzing  o'er  tlie  vale; 
Bless  mo  !  this  is  pleasant, 

Riding  on  a  rail !" 

As  a  poet,  our  laughing  Yankee  will  hardly  go 
down  to  posterity.  lie  excels  most  in  fun,  bur- 
lesque, and  satire.  Ilis  household  gods  arc  Juve- 
nal, Horace,  Hood,  and  Holmes ;  and  though  Juve- 
nal and  Horace  have  floated  down  the  stream  of 
time  to  us — though  portions  of  Hood  and  Holmes 


JOHN     G.     SAXE,     ESQ.  279 

may  be  read  a  ceiitiiiy  lionce — Mr.  Saxc,  I  tliiiik,  is 
not  destined  to  longevity.  He  has  written  a  legal 
ballad,  called,  in  bis  publisbcd  works,  "  The  Brief- 
less Barrister;"  "Progress,  a  Satire,"  tlie  longest 
of  bis  printed  poems ;  "A  New  Rape  of  tbc  Lock," 
wbicb  appeared  in  1847;  "The  Proud  Miss  Mac- 
Bride,"  wbicb  appeared  in  1848 ;  and  "  Tbe  Times," 
wbicb  came  out  in  1849. 

Tbese  poems  bave  already  run  tbrougb  many 
editions.  "Yankee -land,"  a  poem,  and  "Poets 
and  Poetry,"  a  lecture,  are  not  yet  in  print. 

"  Tbe  Proud  Miss  MacBride"  is  Mr.  Saxe's  favor- 
ite production.  Hear  bis  desperately  wicked  wit, 
about  tbe  middle  of  tbis  poem,  on  the  pride  of 
birtb : 


"  Of  all  the  notable  things  on  earth, 
The  queerest  one  is  pride  of  birth, 

Among  our  'fierce  democracie!' 
A  bridge  across  a  hundred  years, 
Without  a  prop  to  save  it  from  sneers — 
Not  even  a  couple  of  rotten  peers — 
A  thing  for  laughter,  ilcers,  and  jeers, 

Is  American  aristocracy! 


English  and  Irish,  French  and  Spanish, 
German,  Italian,  Dutch,  and  Danish, 
Crossing  their  veins  until  they  vanish 
In  one  conglomeration ; 


280  PERSONAGES. 

So  8ul)(lc  a  tangle  of  blood,  indeed, 
No  heraldry-Ilarvey  will  ever  succeed 
In  finding  the  circulation! 

Depend  upon  it,  my  snobhish  friend, 
Your  family  thread  you  can't  ascend, 
■Without  good  reason  to  apprehend 
You  may  find  it  waxed  at  the  farther  end, 

13y  some  plebeian  vocation ; 
Or,  worse  than  that,  your  boasted  line 
May  end  in  a  loop  of  stronger  twine, 

That  plagued  some  worthy  relation  !" 

I  have  seen  Mr.  Saxe.  He  is  tall  and  large.  His 
appearance  indicates  the  preponderance  of  the 
"  fat-limb-ic  rather  than  the  lymphatic."  He  is  a 
good-looking  person,  and  wears  garments  very  like 
a  Green  Mountain  farmer's.  A  large  head,  with 
high  forehead,  a  big  hand,  and  a  tremendous  foot, 
are  some  of  his  outlines.  However,  Mr.  Saxe  de- 
scribes himself  best.     Hear  him  : 

"Now,  I  am  a  man,  you  must  learn. 

Less  famous  for  beauty  than  strength, 
And,  for  aught  I  could  ever  discern, 
Of  ratlicr  supci-fluous  length. 

In  truth.  His  but  seldom  one  meets 

Such  a  Titan  in  human  abodes ; 
And  when  I  walk  over  the  streets, 

I'm  a  perfect  Colossus  of  rort</«/" 

I  liavc  heard  Mr.  Saxe  deliver  "Yankee-land," 


JOHN     G.     SAXE,     ESQ.  281 

"Poets  and  Poetry,"  and  "The  Prond  Miss  Mac- 
Bride,"  to  laughing  audiences.  He  gets  before  his 
audience  awkwardl}-,  recites  with  amazing  rapidity, 
and  Avith  an  awful  nasal  twang;,  while  his  long 
arms  hang  b}'  his  sides  with  the  grace  of  clock- 
weights.  When  he  began  to  recite  "Yankee- 
land,"  before  one  of  the  largest  audiences  I  ever 
saw  assembled  to  hear  a  lecture,  I  remarked  to  an 
English  clerical  friend  of  mine:  "If  you  see  any 
of  my  acquaintances,  you  need  not  mind  telling 
them  that  I  was  here."  These  words  were  scarcely 
uttered,  when  Mr.  Saxe  convinced  the  whole  as- 
sembly that  the  wittiest  of  living  poets,  the  prince 
of  punsters,  the  veritable  John  G.  Saxe,  of  Ver- 
mont, was  before  them ! 

It  is  said  when  Thackeray  was  lecturing  in  New 
York  on  the  "  English  Humorists  of  the  Eighteenth 
Century,"  that  the  works  of  Swift,  Congreve,  Ad- 
dison, Steele,  Prior,  Gay,  Pope,  Hogarth,  Smollett, 
Fielding,  Sterne,  and  Goldsmith,  were  brought 
down  from  the  top  shelves  of  book-rooms,  and  sold 
and  read.  I  was  reminded  of  this  a  day  or  so  after 
Mr.  Saxe  left  the  city.  After  inquiring  at  four  of 
the  largest  book-stores  in  tlie  place,  I  learned  that 
scores  of  volumes  of  his  poems  had  been  sold 
during  his  stay,  and  that  not  a  copy  was  left. 


282  PERSONAGES. 

Bryant  is  rich,  Ilalleck  is  rich,  Longfellow  is 
rich,  Dr.  Holmes  is  rich,  Spraguc  is  rich,  and  it  is 
said  that  John  G.  Saxe  lives  very  well,  if  not  very 
wisely. 

St.  Louis,  November  25,  1864. 


HON.     TRUSTEN     POLK.  283 


HOI^.    TRUSTEN    POLK, 

UNITED  STATES  SENATOR. 

Trusten  Polk  was  inaugurated  Governor  of  the 
State  of  Missouri  this  day.  As  Judge  McLean  is 
the  greatest  Layman  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  (North,)  so  Governor  Polk  is  the  most 
distinguished  layman  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South.  He  is  D'Arcy  Paul,  of  Petersburg, 
and  Harry  Hill,  of  New  Orleans,  combined — is  as 
exemplar}^  as  the  one,  and  as  benevolent  as  the 
other. 

The  Church  of  Christ  owes  much  to  this  class  of 
men.  Stephen  and  Cornelius  and  Philemon  be- 
longed to  it.  Constantine  of  Rome,  Clovis  of 
France,  Alfred  of  England,  and  "Washington  of 
America,  were  all  pious  laymen.  Those  powerful 
friends  and  patrons  of  Martin  Luther  and  the 
Reformed  Church — Frederick  the  Wise,  John  the 
Constant,  and  John  the  Steadfast — were  pious  tem- 
poral princes.     William  Wilberforce,  Edward  Eve- 


284  r  E  R  S  0  N  A  (1  E  s . 

rctt,  and  Jaiiu's  K.  Polk,  will  be  remeuibered  as 
Cliristian  stalcsinoii.  Matthew  Hale,  Chief  Justice 
^Marshall,  and  Thomas  Farmer  belong  to  this  class 
of  men.  In  this  paragraph  are  the  names  of  those 
who  have  thought,  and  praj-ed,  and  written,  and 
legislated,  and  even  fought  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Mr.  Polk  is  not  a  Kew  England  man,  as  some 
have  supposed :  he  is  a  native  of  the  State  of  Dela- 
ware, and  a  better  friend  of  the  South,  and  all  her 
institutions,  I  do  not  know.  I  ditfer  with  Mr. 
Polk  in  the  cardinal  principles  of  his  political 
creed,  but  his  SoulJicndsm  is  w^orthy  of  all  admira- 
tion. 

Whether  he  educated  himself,  in  the  ordinary 
acceptation  of  this  phrase,  or  not,  I  am  not  pre- 
pared to  say.  He  is  a  graduate  of  Yale  College. 
Mr.  Polk's  literary  taste,  general  reading,  and 
actual  scholarship,  "vvould  rank  him  among  "  men 
of  letters,"  if  he  had  sought  their  society.  lie 
enjoys  a  lecture,  I  am  sure.  For  years  past,  I  have 
noticed  him  at  such  places  regularly,  and  he  always 
seemed  like  a  hard-worked  lawyer  unbending  him- 
self delightfully. 

We  cannot  say  of  IMr.  l*olk  that  he  road  law 
there   or   studied   law  here — he   is   one   of   those 


HON.     TRUSTEN     POLK.  285 

sensible  men  wlio  lias  read  and  studied  law  all  the 
time,  since  lie  entered  the  legal  profession.  lie  sits 
doAvn  to  a  law  book  like  Dr.  Rice  does  to  a  work 
on  polemical  theology — because  lie  loves  it.  Gen- 
tlemen of  his  profession  have  told  me  that  there  is 
not  a  lawyer  in  the  West  whose  opinions  have  more 
weight  with  judges  and  jurymen  than  Trusteii 
Polk's.  And  if  his  political  friends  had  not  de- 
signed him  for  the  place  he  now  occupies,  and 
afterwards  for  the  United  States  Senate,  he  would 
have  been  elevated  to  the  Supreme  bench  of  Mis- 
souri years  ago.  Mr.  Polk's  speaking  abilities  arc 
of  a  high  order — though  not  of  the  highest. 

He  came  to  the  city  of  St.  Louis  about  twenty 
years  ago.  Some  say  he  came  afoot.  This  may  be 
true.  When  he  was  a  student  at  Yale,  he  employed 
his  vacations  travelling  over  New  England  on  foot. 
And  it  is  said  there  is  scarcely  a  place  of  interest 
in  I^few  England  that  he  did  not  visit,  during  liis 
four  years  of  college-life.  That  he  entered  upon 
his  professional  career  in  the  West  with  very 
limited  means,  is  certain.  An  old  citizen  of  St.  • 
Louis  said  to  me  once,  "  The  first  time  I  saAV 
Trusten  Polk,  he  was  quite  a  young  man,  sitting 
by  a  small  cooking-stove,  frying  a  beef-steak  for  his 
breakfast.     His  office  served  him  for.  a  kitchen,  a 


280  PERSONAGES. 

(lining-room,  a  bed-room,  and  a  study.  But  lie 
received  us  like  a  gentleman,  and  a  man  of 
Lusincss."  lie  now  lives  in  a  comfortable  man- 
sion, with  an  interesting  and  intelligent  family 
around  liim,  and  au  abundance  of  means  for  their 
education,  support,  and  introduction  into  the  world. 
Mr.  Polk  became  a  Methodist  and  a  class-leader 
while  he  was  a  student.  He  could  say  of  the 
fascinations  of  college-life,  and  all  the  allurements 
to  dissipation,  and  tendencies  to  evil  connected  with 
it,  ^^Kone  of  these  things  move  mc."  lie  has  led  a 
class  nearly  ever  since ;  and,  if  his  pastor  has  not 
changed  him  within  the  last  month,  he  is  a  class- 
leader  now.  The  young  men  of  Centenary  Church 
had  but  one  objection  to  his  election.  They  said, 
"  The  State  will  get  a  good  Governor,  but  we  shall 
lose  a  good  class-leader.  Brother  Tolk  leads  our 
class  in  good  style,  and  then  invites  us  home  with 
him  to  take  tea."  One  of  the  preachers  of  the  St. 
Louis  Conference,  when  asked  his  political  prefer- 
ences, during  the  canvass  last  summer,  always 
replied,  ^'•Hurrah  for  ihr  Class-leader !"  This  Avas 
his  "rough  and  ready"  way  of  telling  his  politics. 
Mr.  Seay,  who  was  the  travelling  companion  of  Mr. 
I'olk  during  the  canvass,  said  to  me  on  his  way  to 
Jeft'erson  City,  "  Wherever  we  went  last  summer, 


HON.     TRUSTEN     POLK.  287 

we  were  certain  to  be  greeted  by  some  warm- 
hearted Methodist  preacher."  Mr.  Polk  is  a 
steward  in  Centcnarj^  Church,  and  a  trustee  in 
two  or  three  churches.  "Wesley  Chapel  and  Six- 
teenth Street  Church  are  built  on  his  ground.  In 
addition  to  this,  he  pays  ^50  a  year  to  the  Church- 
Extension  Association  of  St.  Louis ;  and  is  the 
Chairman  of  their  Board  of  Trustees. 

Mr.  Polk  is  exceedingly  punctual  in  the  perform- 
ance of  his  duties.  Since  he  was  elected  Governor 
of  Missouri,  I  was  dining  with  him  at  a  friend's. 
It  was  an  elegant  place,  and  the  dinner  came  on  at 
rather  a  fashionable  hour.  When  we  were  exactly 
half  through  the  courses,  Mr.  Polk  looked  at  his 
watch,  and  remarked,  "  You  must  excuse  me,  ladies 
and  gentlemen ;  it  is  my  hour  to  attend  my  class- 
meeting."  It  is  needless  to  say  that  such  a  man 
was  excused.  The  gentleman  of  the  house  fol- 
lowed— it  was  Jill  hour  to  meet  his  class,  too. 

Ml-*  Polk  is  a  consistent  man.  Does  not  receive 
letters  on  Sunday.  Does  not  send  letters  on  Sun- 
day. Does  not  buy  the  Sunday  Republican,  nor 
read  it. 

The  evening  after  the  inauguration,  the  Governor 
gave  a  magnificent  eutertiiiiiiiiciil   to   fbc  incriibrrM 


288  PERSONAGES. 

of  tlic  Legislature,  officers  of  State,  citizens,  and 
strangers,  at  his  residence  in  Jefterson  City. 
His  wife  and  diiuglitcr  entertained  tlicir  guests 
elegantly. 

Jefferson  City,  Mo.,  January  6,  1857. 


CASSIUS     M.     CLAY.  289 


CASSIUS    M.    CLAY, 


THE    ABOLITIONIST. 

Some  of  those  "large  and  enthusiastic"  abolition 
meetings  that  we  read  of,  arc  much  larger  and 
more  enthusiastic  on  paper  than  they  are  in  reality. 
At  least,  this  is  the  conclusion  at  which  I  have 
arrived.  iS^ot  long  since,  the  Alton  papers  came 
down  among  us  with  some  such  exclamations  as 
the  following:  ^^ Great  abolition  meeting  in  Alton!" 
^^ Cassias  M.  Clay  is  to  speak  here  on  Tuesday!" 
^^Let  all  the  icorld  come  out  to  hear  the  ^  Great  Ken- 
tuckian!'  " 

Said  I  to  myself:  "  Now  this  is  your  chance  :  you 
never  witnessed  the  glow  and  enthusiasm  of  a  real 
abolition  meeting,  and  this  will  be  one  of  peculiar 
feeling  and  powerful  excitement :  you  never  heard 
a  scries  of  abolition  resolutions  read  to  a  sweltering 
multitude  of  great-hearted  freemen :  you  never 
heard  Cassius  M.  Clay  in  his  lofty  moods,  his  bold 
invective,    his    torrent- raptures  —  in    his    thunder- 


290  r  E  u  s  0  N  A  a  E  s . 

peals:  you  never  lieard  the  licarty  haters  of  the 
'peculiar  institution'  ring  their  proud  hurrah.  Go 
up  to  Alton  :  hy  all  means,  go  !" 

As  a  contrihution  to  geographical  information, 
Alton  is  a  toitii  on  the  east  hank  of  the  Mississippi 
river,  in  the  State  of  Illinois.  It  is  near  the  junc- 
tion of  the  Missouri  and  Mississippi  rivers,  where 
the  water  is  too  thick  to  swim  (pleasantly)  in,  and 
too  thiu  to  walk  on.  Furthermore,  Alton  is 
situated  on,  and  among,  and  round  about,  several 
respectable  hills;  and  taking  the  hotels  of  St. 
Louis  to  be  first-rate,  it  has  several  fourth-rate 
hotels.  It  is  divided  into  Upper  Alton  and  Lower 
Ahon:  these  are  two  or  three  miles  apart.  I  have 
not  been  sufficient  of  a  tourist  to  visit  the  Upper 
villitfje. 

We  landed  (I  say  we,  for  several  "gentlemen 
from  about  town,"  and  m3'self,  were  on  the  packet) 
about  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  registered  at 
the  principal  hotel  in  Lower  Alton.  About  six 
lines  above  our  iinines,  we  saw,  in  bold  pencil- 
marks — "C.  31.  Clay — Kentueki/."  The  following 
conversation  took  place : 

"I  see  that  Clay  is  here." 

"Yes." 

"Landlord,  is  Mr.  Clay  here?" 


CASSIUS     M.    CLAY.  291 

"Yes,  sir;  lie  is  here." 

"Where  is  he  now?" 

"He  is  asleep.     Has  not  had  his  hreakfast  yet." 

"When  did  ho  arrive?" 

"On  the  morning's  train,  sir." 

"Does  Mr.  Clay  speak  here  to-day?" 

"Well,  really,  I  can't  say,  gentlemen." 

"  If  he  does  speak,  loherc  do  you  suppose  he  will 
hold  forth?" 

"I  don't  know,  indeed,  where." 

"Well,  if  he  speaks  at  all,  he  will  speak  this 
morning,  I  suppose?" 

"Can't  tell  you  that,  either;  he  is  in  hed  yet; 
has  not  had  his  hreakfast ;  his  trunk  has  not  come." 

Just  at  this  stage  of  the  conversation,  a  short, 
sandy-haired  fellow,  with  loose,  pale  '■'■nankeen'' 
clothes,  and  a  '■'■Knoio-Notldng''  hat  on,  said  :  "Hold 
on,  gentlemen  ;  I  will  run  down  into  the  bar-room, 
and  find  out  all  about  it." 

In  a  short  time  he  returned,  and  in  an  air  of 
triumph  said :  "  Mr.  Clay  is  at  this  very  house,  and 
talks  right  here.,  at  half  after  three  o'clock,  this  after- 
noon !" 

Thinks  I  to  myself,  ^ot  much  excitement  on 
hand  yet;  but  as  Mr.  Clay  arrived  this  morning, 
and  is  expected  to  leave  in  the  evening  train,  to 


202  PERSONAGES. 

nioet  otlier  engagements,  bis  friends,  of  course, 
will  give  Lira  a  public  dinner  bere  to-da}'.  So  I 
called  for  a  room,  and  told  tbe  landlord  I  would 
stay  until  after  dinner.  !Not  being  entirely  exbausted 
and  overcome  by  excitement,  baviug  met  not  more 
tban  balf  a  dozen  freemen  about  tbe  botel,  ami  fail- 
ing to  find  tbe  morning  papers,  I  improved  tbe 
time  by  getting  into  a  sound  sleep. 

About  one  o'clock,  I  was  informed  tbat  tbe  second 
gong  bad  sounded,  and  tbat  "//*r_y"  were  eating 
dinner.  Remarkably  early  for  a  public  dinner, 
tbinks  I.  However,  tbere  is  no  accounting  for 
taste.  So  I  attended  to  my  ablutions,  glanced  at  a 
four-sbilling  mirror,  elevated  my  crest,  and  entered 
tbe  dining-room.  Small  dining-room,  ordinary 
tuljle,  very  common  clotbs  and  furniture,  ordinary- 
looking  company,  not  mucb  to  eat — wbere  is  Clay? 
tins  is  no  public  dinner !  I  seated  myself,  and 
began  to  meet  tbe  responsibility,  wben  I  saw,  just 
across  tbe  table,  a  gentleman  wbom  I  knew  at  once. 
Not  tbat  I  liad  ever  seen  Imn  before ;  but  I  bad  seen 
his  jiicturc  in  sbop-windows,  etc.,  frequently.  He 
was  a  little  less  tban  six  feet,  weigbed  about  one 
bundred  and  fifty,  seemed  to  be  near  fifty  years  of 
:ii!:c',  bad  a  beautiful  suit  of  bair,  sligbtly  frosted,  a 
mild   and   uncommonly  benevolent -looking   face, 


C  A  S  S  I  U  S     M  .     CLAY.  293 

was  dressed  in  blue  garments,  neatly  fitted  on  him, 
talked  in  a  mild  undertone,  bolted  beef,  green 
corn,  and  cucumbers,  etc.,  and  was  accompanied  by 
one  acquaintance.  lie  was  Cassius  M.  Clay,  of 
Kentucky. 

After  dinner,  I  took  a  chair  in  the  gentlemen's 
sitting-room,  and  entered  into  a  conversation  with 
a  student  from  McKendree  College,  supposing  that 
the  satellites  would  soon  be  in,  and  revolving 
regularl}'  around  their  great  Primary.  Mr.  Clay 
wrote  a  letter — folded  and  directed  it,  and  nobody 
came  to  disturb  him.  Mr.  Clay  then  seated  him- 
self, all  alone.  Directly,  a  small  man  with. a  linen 
coat  entered.  Soon  after,  a  fat  man  entered. 
Then,  a  doctor  came  in.  Then,  a  tall  lawyer-look- 
ing gentleman  came  in.  Finally,  two  farmer-look- 
ing people  entered,  and  sat  down.  A  full  half 
dozen  of  stray  hero-worshippers,  all  told,  did  the 
lionizing  of  this  afternoon. 

At  twenty-five  minutes  after  three  o'clock,  Mr. 
Clay  remarked:  "Gentlemen,  it  is  my  time  for 
speaking."  At  this  moment,  the  small  linen- 
coated  man  started  off"  towards  the  shadow  of  a 
large  stone  building  near  the  river.  I  followed  him. 
AV"e  reached  the  place.  The  sun  had  been  shining 
on  the  street,  and  pavement,  and  south  side  of  the 


294  PERSONAGES. 

building  all  day,  until  about  three  o'clock,  ^vllcu 
the  building  began  to  cast  a  shadow  a  few  feet  in 
width.  I  leaned  against  the  building  a  few  minutes 
and  sickened  with  heat.  I  stood  on  the  pavement, 
composed  of  rough,  triangular,  octagonal,  and 
many-angular  stones,  until  my  feet  suffered.  The 
dust  was  several  inches  deep  in  the  street,  and, 
about  ever^'  five  minutes,  was  stirred  into  a  cloud 
by  a  passing  dray,  wagon,  or  omnibus.  Yet  this 
was  the  place  selected  for  the  "Great  Kentuckian" 
to  agitate  the  burghers  on  the  abolition  of  slavery 
and  the  dissolution  of  the  Union,  etc. 

Half  after  three  came.  Half  after  three  went. 
There  stood  an  old  rockaway,  with  a  pale-eyed  Rev. 
"W^hite-cravat  seated  in  it,  said  to  be  the  President 
of  a  "one-horse"  Baptist  College  in  Upper  Alton. 
He  was  accompanied  by  a  bookseller,  I  believe. 
Yonder  stood  a  lone  dray,  with  a  boy  seated  on  it. 
Here,  in  the  shade  of  the  building,  stood  twelve  or 
fifteen  remarkably  well-humbugged  people.  There, 
in  the  window,  sat,  or  rather  lay,  two  drunken 
Irish  laborers,  wondering  if  Cassius  was  "old 
Henry  Clay's  son."  This  was  the  waiting  audience 
— waiting  in  the  dust  and  on  the  hot  rocks,  while 
the  thermometer  stood  at  about  one  hundred  degrees 
in  the  shade ! 


C  A  S  S  I  U  S     M  .     CLAY.  295 

"AVell,  but  did  Mr.  Clay  speak?"  ITot  that  I 
have  heard  of.  He  may  have  spoken,  I  can't  say. 
The  reception  was  so  very  warm,  that  I  found 
quarters  on  the  St.  Louis  packet,  at  about  four 
o'clock.  Thus,  Doctor,  for  the  edification  of  your 
numerous  Southern  readers,  I  have  given  a  minute 
account  of  the  proceedings  of  the  first  and  last  abo- 
lition meeting  that  I  attended.  The  Union  was  not 
dissolved  ! 

St.  Louis,  July  25,  1854. 


296  PERSONAGES, 


REV.  BENJ.  TAYLOR  KAVANAUGH,  M.  D., 

THE    PIONEER    PREACHER, 

Was  born  iu  Louisville,  Ky.,  April  28tb,  1805. 
He  is  the  fourth  son  of  the  Rev.  Williams  Ivavan- 
augh,  who  was  identified  with  the  earliest  settlers 
of  the  "dark  and  bloody  ground,"  and  who  spent 
his  life  in  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  first  immi- 
grants to  that  State,  when  every  neighborhood  was 
under  the  protection  of  a  fort.  His  mother  was  a 
daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  Hinde,  a  celebrated  sur- 
geon in  the  revolutionary  army  ;  who,  after  serving 
under  General  Wolfe,  entered  the  American  service, 
and  continued  in  the  army,  until  our  independence 
was  acknowledged  by  Great  Britain. 

Having  lost  his  father  in  infancy.  Dr.  Kavanaugh's 
early  education  was  left  to  the  management  of  his 
mother.  This  excellent  lady  removed  to  Clarke 
county,  among  her  friends,  near  Lexington,  where 
her  son  grew  up  to  manhood.  She  was  a  woman 
of  unusual  decision  and  energy  of  character,  and, 


REV.     B  E  N  J  .     T .     K  A  V  A  N  A  U  (J  II ,     M  .  D  .      297 

although  laboriug  iiuder  the  embarrassments  of 
poverty,  succeeded  in  rearing  her  five  sons  to  ma- 
turity, with  such  qualifications,  moral  and  intellect- 
ual, as  to  place  them  in  prominent  positions  in 
society. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen,  Benjamin  Taylor  began 
to  develop  his  character,  and  to  enter  upon  schemes 
of  his  own  devising.  IS'otAvithstandiiig  his  youth, 
and  existing  engagements  wdth  his  master- work- 
man, he  gained  permission  to  embark  in  the  New 
Orleans  tobacco  trade.  Colonel  F.  F.  Jackson,  of 
Clarke  county,  an  extensive  operator  in  that  line, 
selected  him  to  take  charge  of  one  of  his  boats,  as 
pilot  and  commander,  with  the  privilege  of  shipping 
his  own  purchases  on  the  same  boat.  In  the  spring 
of  1824,  Benjamin  Taylor  mounted  his  "broad- 
horn"  or  "ark"  in  the  Kentucky  River,  three  hun- 
dred miles  from  its  mouth,  with  a  crew  of  three 
men — these  all  his  superior  in  j^ears.  He  navigated 
the  waters  successfully  to  New  Orleans,  (a  distance 
of  seventeen  hundred  miles,)  never  having  seen  any 
portion  of  them  before,  excepting  a  few  miles  of 
Kentucky  River. 

The  only  settlements  on  the  Mississippi  River  at 
that  time,  below  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio,  were  New 
Madrid,  a  few  houses  at  the  Chickasaw  Bluffs, 
10 


298  PERSONAGES. 

(Memphis,)  one  house  at  the  Walnut  Hills,  (Vicks- 
burg,)  a  few  at  Fort  Adams,  and  the  coast  below 
Xatchez.  2sc\v  Orleans  was  a  town  of  less  than 
ten  thousand  souls. 

Having  gained  some  knowledge  of  trade,  and  the 
demands  of  the  tobacco  market  in  the  South,  young 
Kavanaugh  returned,  and,  with  a  small  capital 
cleared  from  his  first  adventure,  determined  to  cm- 
bark  anew  in  the  trade  of  the  next  spring.  He  now 
ascended  the  Kentucky  Kiver  to  the  mountains, 
built  his  own  boat,  and  performed  a  second  trip, 
wholly  on  his  own  account,  which  was  more  suc- 
cessful than  the  first. 

Having  established  a  character  for  enterprise  and 
success,  and  enjoying  a  liigh  standing  for  veracity 
and  integrity  as  a  man,  his  services  were  sought  by 
men  in  extensive  trade,  to  transact  business  of  a 
general  character  in  various  parts  of  the  countr3\ 
In  such  agencies  about  two  years  were  spent  in 
Kentucky.  Travelling  through  all  weather  ami  all 
seasons  proved  too  severe  for  liis  physical  powers, 
and  brought  him  down  to  his  bed,  from  the  effects 
of  which  he  did  not  recover  for  four  or  five  years. 

He  now  grew  restless  under  the  restraints  of  ill- 
health  and  a  limited  sphere  of  action,  and  deter- 
mined to  make  the  State  of  Illinois  the  field  of  his 
future  movements.     The  young  emigrant  accord- 


REV.     BENJ.     T.     KAVANAUGII,     M.D.      299 

ingly  selected  a  Kentucky  wife,  embarked  in  a 
family  boat  built  by  himself,  and,  with  the  aid  of 
two  boys,  landed  at  Mount  Carmel,  on  the  Wabash, 
April  29,  1829. 

An  engagement  was  made  with  the  proprietor  of 
the  place  for  the  management  of  a  large  landed 
estate,  including  the  unsold  lots  and  adjoining  lands 
of  the  town.  In  this  real  estate  agency  he  spent 
about  five  years.  Diligent  application  to  business 
again  prostrated  him,  and  he  was  compelled  to  turn 
his  attention  to  something  calculated  to  free  him 
from  the  toils  of  out-door  life. 

Hitherto  Mr.  Kavanaugh  had  never  applied  him- 
self to  the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  beyond  the  sphere 
of  a  business  man.  In  the  world,  he  had  succeeded 
well — had  gained  a  considerable  amount  of  valuable 
property ;  so,  now,  he  determined  to  divide  his 
time,  and  to  devote  a  portion  of  each  day  to  the 
study  of  some  useful  science,  and  to  continue  this 
course  until  he  had  acquired  a  knowledge  of  all  the 
elementary  branches  of  a  common  education. 

In  the  fall  of  1829,  having  been  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  solicited  by  many  members  and 
ministers  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Mr. 
Kavanaugh  had  accepted  a  license  to  preach  the 
gospel.  He  had  made  a  profession  of  religion  ten 
years  before  this,  and  maintained  his  standing  as  a 


300  P  E  II  S  0  N  A  O  E  S . 

useful  member  of  the  Churcli  up  to  tliis  time.  But 
lie  now  felt  more  than  ever  the  necessity  of  an 
intimate  acquaintance  with  moral  and  religious 
truth,  and  so,  it  is  said,  he  went  into  excess  in  pur- 
suit of  knowledge.  Mr.  Kavanaugli  soon  found 
himself  declining  in  strength,  and  was  compelled 
again  to  seek  for  some  suitable  and  useful  employ- 
ment. 

In  the  fall  of  1831,  he  received  a  commission  from 
the  American  Sunday-school  Union,  constituting 
him  a  Sunday-school  Missionary  for  the  eastern 
half  of  the  State  of  Illinois.  He  entered  immedi- 
ately on  the  duties  of  this  mission — travelling  and 
lecturing  on  Christian  education  —  and  ranged 
through  every  county  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
State  as  far  as  the  settlements  extended  at  that  time. 
He  was  successful  in  organizing  Sabbath-schools  in 
nearly  every  village  and  town,  and  populous  country 
place,  throughout  his  extensive  field.  In  some  of 
these  schools,  gray-haired  men  and  women,  for  the 
first  time  in  their  lives,  were  taught  to  read  and  pray. 

After  spending  three  years  on  this  delightful  mis- 
sion, contributing  to  the  purity  and  permanence  of 
a  new  population  in  a  new  State,  Mr.  Kavanaugli  so 
disposed  of  his  private  business  as  to  give  his  ser- 
vices wholly  to  the  Church,  and  entered  the  Illinois 
Conference,  October,  1835. 


REV.    BEN. T.     T.     K  A  V  A  N  A  U  (MI ,     M.D.        301 

His  first  appointment  was  an  agency  for  McKen- 
drcc  College,  an  institution  located  at  Lebanon,  Il- 
linois, about  twenty  miles  east  of  St.  Louis.  In 
this  work  he  continued  four  years.  It  was  one  in 
which  several  able  members  of  the  Conference  had 
failed.  Indeed,  the  college  had  almost  entirely  gone 
down — a  heavy  debt  resting  upon  it,  with  no  assets 
to  meet  liabilities. 

Mr.  Ivavanauffh's  desire  was  to  engage  in  the 
regular  work  of  the  ministry ;  but  his  skill  as  a  finan- 
cial agent  was  known  to  the  Conference,  and  this 
governed  the  Bishop  in  his  appointment.  Having 
become  an  itinerant,  he  considered  it  his  duty  to 
take  any  position  assigned  him  by  the  Church.  So 
he  reported  himself  at  once  to  the  trustees  of  the 
institution;  made  himself  familiar  with  its  aftairs, 
and  devised  plans  for  its  rescue  and  elevation.  In 
the  course  of  four  years,  he  succeeded  in  paying  off 
its  debts,  and  making  extensive  additions  to  the 
college-grounds.  He  also  procured  a  new  and  inorc 
liberal  charter,  supplied  it  with  chemical  and  philo- 
sophical apparatus,  a  good  library  and  cabinet  of 
minerals,  and,  by  the  aid  of  an  assistant  one  year, 
secured  an  endowment  fund  of  Jif/>/  ihonsand  dollars. 
When  the  institution  passed  from  his  hands,  it  owed 
oidy  a  small  debt,  and  had  assets  to  the  amount  of 
sevenly-jive  thousand  dollars. 


302  TERSONAGES. 

The  plans  by  -which  so  much  was  accomplished 
were  a  little  peculiar,  and  may  be  mentioned.  He 
had  no  hope  of  obtainini^  donations  to  a  college 
already  dead,  from  the  citizens  of  the  county. 
They  had  not  only  given  large  sums  for  its  support, 
but  had  lost  all  faith  in  its  success,  i^or  had  he 
any  notion  of  going  to  the  Eastern  States  for  aid, 
when  nothing  could  be  accomplished  at  home. 
Mr.  Kavanaugh  determined  to  ask  donations  of 
none  until  he  could  get  the  institution  into  sue- 
cessfal  operation,  and  funds  enough  on  hand  to 
insure  its  success ;  when  this  Avas  done,  to  make  an 
eflbrt  for  a  full  endowment. 

To  accomplish  this  object,  he  relied  upon  his 
resources  as  a  business  man  and  a  land  agent; 
went  to  Washington  City,  and  after  securing  letters 
from  various  Senators  and  Representatives  from 
the  Western  States,  he  journeyed  to  the  cities  of 
New  York,  Providence,  and  Boston,  and  estab- 
lished a  land  agency  in  each,  to  purchase  lands  in 
Illinois,  for  any  person  desiring  to  make  entries. 

Mr.  Kavanaugh  charged  twenty-five  per  cent,  on 
the  amount  expended,  or  one  half  the  profits  on 
the  lands  entered,  for  five  years  from  the  date  of 
entry.  On  these  terms,  a  large  number  of  persons 
were  induced  to  make  entries  through  this  agency ; 
and  several  thousand  dollars  in  ready  ca-«h  were 


REV.    BENJ.    T.    KAVANAUGH,    M.D.       303 

realized  for  the  College,  besides  an  interest  in  a 
large  amount  of  land. 

This  scheme  was  more  easily  carried  out  at 
that  period  than  it  eonhl  have  been  at  any  other; 
because  money  was  very  plenty  in  1836  and  1837, 
and  a  splendid  system  of  railroads  had  been 
devised  and  undertaken  by  the  State  of  Illinois. 
Foreigners  were  easily  induced  to  buy  up  lands 
along  the  lines  of  these  roads.  Thus  the  money 
procured  for  the  College  was  actually  earned  by  the 
adroit  agent. 

While  in  this  land  agency,  Mr.  Ivavanaugh  had 
occasion  to  visit  many  portions  of  the  United 
States ;  by  which  he  became  acquainted  with  some 
of  the  leading  men  of  the  nation,  and  added  vastly 
to  his  stock  of  general  information. 

The  endowment  fund  of  fifty  thousand  was 
obtained  by  getting  one  hundred  persons  to  sub- 
scribe five  hundred  dollars  each,  securing  to  them- 
selves a  perpetual  scholarship  in  McKendree 
College. 

In  the  autumn  of  1839,  the  trustees  of  the 
College  were  surprised  and  mortified  on  hearing 
that  their  agent  had  been  appointed  Superintendent 
of  the  Indian  Mission  District.  This  District  was 
about  the  head  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and  touch- 
ing on  the  western  border  of  Lake  Superior.     Its 


304  r  E  R  S  0  N  A  G  E  s . 

business  affairs  were  deranged,  and,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  presiding  Bishoj),  it  was  necessary  to 
make  a  change  in  the  supcriutendency ;  and  Mr. 
Kavanaugh  was  selected  for  the  purpose  of  "  bring- 
ing order  out  of  confusion." 

This  appointment  was  one  which  had  many 
attractions  for  the  mind  of  the  newly-appointed 
missionary.  It  lay  in  the  wild  and  unexplored 
regions  of  the  ISTorth-west,  and  brought  him  in 
immediate  contact  with  tlio  wild  men  of  the  woods. 
It  afforded  liini  an  opportunity  of  breaking  the 
silence  of  the  wide  wilderness  of  the  North  with 
the  messages  of  life  and  salvation,  to  a  people  who 
liad  never  heard  them  before.  Three  years  of 
Mr.  Kavanangh's  life  were  spent  in  these  bleak 
regions. 

After  visiting  the  various  missions  on  the  Dis- 
trict, a  cabin  was  built,  near  the  Kaposia  Village, 
(a  few  miles  below  the  present  St.  Paul's  of  Minne- 
sota,) by  the  Superintendent  and  his  brethren,  for 
the  accommodation  of  his  family.  They  were 
brought  to  the  mission-ground  in  the  spring  of  the 
second  year. 

In  procuring  supplies,  visiting  the  different  and 
distant  points  of  his  work,  and  establishing  several 
new  missions,  Mr.  Kavanaugh  travollcd  imndreds 
and  lliousands  oC  miles   each  year,   sometimes  on 


REV.    BEN  J.    T.     KAVANAU(!H,    M.D.       305 

foot,  sometimes  in  sleighs,  but  mostl}"  in  bark 
canoes. 

These  missions  were  among  the  Sioux  and  Ojeb- 
ways.  The  only  establishment  among  the  Sioux 
was  near  the  residence  of  Mr.  Kavanaugh.  Here, 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Mississippi  river,  he 
established  a  school  for  "half-bloods,"  and  on  the 
western  side  another  school,  for  "full-bloods." 

It  is  a  custom  among  the  Indians  to  hold  a  coun- 
cil or  public  "talk"  with  every  leading  man  sent 
out  to  them,  either  by  the  Government  or  the 
Church.  Hence  the  Superintendent  of  this  mission 
had  to  go  through  this  ceremony  at  every  village 
he  entered.  This  aftbrded  him  a  good  opportunity 
of  presenting  to  them  the  advantages  to  be  derived 
from  the  institutions  of  Christianity,  and  preaching 
to  them  the  gospel  of  Christ.  This  was  done  in 
every  "talk;"  and  the  Superintendent  had  the 
pleasure  of  receiving  into  the  Church,  as  a  con- 
verted man,  residing  at  Sandy  Lake,  the  great  high- 
priest  of  the  Ojebway  nation.  He  was  enlightened 
and  indoctrinated  in  the  Christian  religion. 

Many  converts  were  made,  chiefly  among  the 
pupils  of  the  two  mission  schools.  Mr.  Kava- 
naugh was  greatly  aided  in  his  work  among  the 
Chippewas  by  throe  converted  and  educated  native 
preachers,  obtained  from  the  missions  in  Canada. 


306  PERSONAGES. 

They  had  been  educated  for  this  work  by  the 
Illinois  Conference. 

At  the  session  of  the  Ilock  River  Conference, 
held  in  Chicago,  1842,  Mr.  Kavauaugh  was 
appointed  presiding  elder  of  the  Platteville  District, 
situated  in  the  south-western  portion  of  Wisconsin, 
and  covering  all  the  mineral  regions  of  this  State. 
Here  he  travelled  three  years,  through  all  the 
settled  portion  of  TVestern  Wisconsin.  His  district 
embraced  the  seat  of  government,  and,  having  been 
elected  chaplain  to  the  Legislature,  much  of  his 
time  was  spent  there  during  the  winter  seasons. 
He  was  also  elected  by  the  Masonic  Order  to  pre- 
side over  the  Gi'and  Lodge  of  the  State.  In  this 
way  Mr.  Kavanaugh  became  intimate  with  the  lead- 
ing men  of  Wisconsin. 

By  the  kindness  of  his  friend.  General  Dodge, 
U.  S.  Senator,  his  name  was  presented  to  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  at  Washington 
City,  and  he  was  recommended  as  a  suitable  person 
to  be  employed  as  an  agent.  He  was  accordingly 
commissioned,  and  assigned  to  the  States  of  Indiana 
and  Wisconsin.  Retaining  his  connection  witli  his 
Conference,  and  receiving  an  appointment  from  it 
to  tliis  agency,  Mr.  Kavanaugh  accepted,  and 
entered  upon  his  duties,  locating  his  family  at 
Indianapolis. 


REV.    BENJ.    T.    KAVANAUGH,    M.D.      307 

This  proved  to  be  an  intGrestiug  and  exciting 
enterprise ;  for  no  sooner  had  he  entered  fairly 
upon  his  duties  as  an  advocate  of  African  Coloni- 
zation, than  he  was  encountered  by  a  host  of 
abolitionists,  who  had  been  holding  undisturbed 
dominion  over  a  large  portion  of  the  State.  There 
were  three  newspapers  and  about  ten  public  lec- 
turers actively  engaged  in  the  field.  Most  of  these 
immediately  attacked  the  new  agent  and  his  cause, 
and  seemed  to  look  upon  them  as  impudent 
intruders  upon  their  domains.  Such  were  the 
violent  and  ill-natured  attacks  made  upon  him  by 
the  abolition  press,  that  he  Avas  compelled  to  resort 
to  the  press  for  defence.  "The  Colonizationist,"  a 
neatly-printed  monthly  of  eight  pages,  was  gotten 
up,  and  issued  to  subscribers  at  ten  cents  a  copy. 
A  circulation  of  thirty -five  hundred  was  soon 
attained ;  besides,  a  great  number  of  copies  were 
thrown  broadcast  all  over  the  State. 

Besides  editing  and  publishing  this  paper,  Mr. 
Kavanaugh  visited  nearly  every  county  in  the  State 
of  Indiana,  and  lectured  to  crowded  assemblies, 
who  seemed  to  take  more  interest  in  the  matter, 
because  the  agent  had  been  so  outrageously  abused 
by  the  abolitionists. 

When  it  was  found  that  the  public  mind  was  un- 
derfiroinc:   a   chanire  in  favor  of   Colonization,  the 


008  PERSON  A  OES. 

loading  spirits  of  the  opposition  became  desperate, 
and  challenged  Mr.  Kavanaugli  to  a  public  discus- 
sion. This  was  very  gladly  accepted,  and  the  time 
and  place  were  fixed — March  15th,  1846,  the  time; 
Knightstown,  in  a  (Quaker  abolition  neighborhood, 
the  place.  When  the  agent  arrived  in  the  village, 
he  was  waited  upon  by  a  committee  of  his  friends, 
who  advised  him  not  to  go  into  the  debate ;  said 
that  his  antagonist  was  a  learned  and  adroit  lawyer ; 
had  the  sympathies  of  all  the  peo[)le  in  his  fiivor; 
and  it  would  be  very  mortifying  to  them  to  see 
Brother  Kavanaugh  demolished. 

The  debate  came  on,  and  continued  three  days, 
in  the  presence  of  a  crowded  assembly.  The  in- 
terest increased  with  every  hour  u})  to  the  close. 
At  the  termination,  the  bold  advocate  of  "  imme- 
diate and  universal  emancipation,  regardless  of 
consequences,"  took  leave  suddenly,  and  Mr.  Kav- 
anaugh remained  to  form  a  flourishing  Colonization 
Society  on  the  battle-ground. 

This  was  the  lirst  of  seven  different  challenges, 
all  coming  from  the  same  quarter,  and  all  of  which 
were  accepted.  The  last  of  the  series  came  oft'  in 
the  city  of  Chicago,  where  the  discussion  was  con- 
tinued for  nine  consecutive  evenings,  under  an 
agreement  that  it  should  bo  continued  until  one  of 
the   parties    should    cry,    "Enough!"     The   result 


REV.     BENJ.     T.     KAVANAUUII,     M.D.     301) 

was  all  that  the  friends  of  Mr.  Kavanaiigh  or  his 
cause  could  possibly  desire. 

Before  his  election  to  the  executive  chair,  Gov. 
AVright,  of  Indiana,  was  one  of  the  early  friends 
of  Colonization ;  and,  after  his  election,  he  brought 
the  subject  before  the  Legislature.  This  resulted 
in  a  grant  of  five  thousand  dollars  a  year  to  the 
Society.  The  labors  of  the  agent,  it  is  said,  pre- 
pared the  public  mind  to  receive  with  great  favor 
this  action  of  their  legislators. 

Finding  that  he  could  not  provoke  his  abolition 
friends  to  make  war  upon  him  any  further,  and 
seeing  that  every  paper  advocating  their  cause  in 
the  State  had  gone  to  repose,  and  having  no  fears 
for  the  ultimate  triumph  of  Colonization  principles, 
Mr.  Kavanaugh  resigned  his  agency  to  accept 
another. 

The  study  of  medicine  had  engaged  his  attention, 
at  intervals,  for  several  years.  Indeed,  he  had  been 
compelled  to  engage  in  the  practice,  among  the 
Indians  and  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin,  as  a  matter 
of  charity.  lie  therefore  spent  tlie  winter  of 
1847-8  attending  a  course  of  lectures  in  liush  Med- 
ical College,  Chicago,  to  which  he  had  been  invited 
by  the  Faculty. 

Dr.  Kavanaugh  returned  to  Indianapolis  in  the 
spring  of  1848,  and  embarked  in  the  cause  of  Tem- 


310  PERSONAGES. 

peranco,  as  agent  for  the  "State  at  large,"  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Grand  Division  of  the  Sons  of 
Temperance.  Again  he  found  it  necessary  to  em- 
ploy the  press  in  behalf  of  his  cause ;  so  he  edited 
and  published  the  Family  Visitor,  which  was  soon 
made  the  organ  of  the  "  Order"  for  the  State. 
This  was  a  weekly,  in  quarto  form,  eight  pages, 
very  neatly  gotten  up. 

Two  years  were  employed  in  this  work,  a  tour  of 
the  entire  State  was  made  each  year,  and  every 
prominent  place  was  made  the  scene  of  most  zeal- 
ous and  persevering  eftbrts.  The  total  prohibition 
of  the  liquor  traffic  was  insisted  on,  and  this  before 
the  Maine  Liquor  Law  had  been  heard  of.  Through 
the  Visitor  the  same  great  truths  were  inculcated, 
so  that  all  others  who  spoke  on  the  subject  were 
indoctrinated  in  the  principles  advocated  by  the 
agent.  The  amount  of  travelling  and  lecturing 
performed  in  a  single  season  was  truly  astonishing. 
Such  was  his  zeal  in  any  enterprise,  when  he  be- 
came fully  enlisted,  that  the  Doctor  knew  no 
bounds  short  of  entire  success. 

His  winters  were  spent  at  home,  conducting  his 
paper,  and  attending  two  courses  of  medical  lec- 
tures in  the  city  of  Indianapolis,  where  he  gradu- 
ated as  an  M.  D.  in  the  spring  of  1849.  Dr.  Kav- 
anaugh   now   determined    to    settle    himself,   and 


REV.     BEN.T.     T.     K  A  V  A  N  A  U  G  II ,     M.D.      311 

devote  his  time  to  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
preaching  from  time  to  time,  as  occasion  might 
offer. 

He  arrived  in  St.  Louis  February  25th,  1851. 
lie  had  been  invited  to  remove  here  by  a  vote  of 
the  Preachers'  Meeting.  Within  a  week  after  liis 
arrival,  at  the  Annual  Commencement  of  the  Med- 
ical Department  of  the  St,  Louis  University,  he 
was  honored  with  the  degree  ^'■ad  eundcm"  The 
same  honor  was  conferred  by  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment of  the  State  University,  at  its  next  Annual 
Commencement.  Thus  honored  by  both  Medical 
Colleges  of  the  city.  Dr.  Kavanaugh  found  no  diffi- 
culty in  obtaining  an  extensive  and  lucrative  prac- 
tice in  a  very  short  time. 

The  Doctor  was  further  surprised  by  an  election 
to  a  Professorship  in  the  Medical  Department  of 
the  State  University.  This  honor  was  the  more 
valued  by  Dr.  Kavanaugh  and  his  friends,  for  the 
reason  tliat  lie  was  not  an  applicant  for  the  vacant 
chair. 

lie  is  a  great  Mason  withal.  In  passing  through 
all  the  grades  of  Masonry,  up  to  that  of  Knight 
Templar,  he  was  invariably  called  to  preside  over 
the  Lodges,  Chapters,  Councils,  and  Encampments, 
wlicrc  he  held  his  membership.  Dr.  Kavanaugh 
never  filled  an  inferior  office.     His  perfect  famili- 


312  PERSONAGES. 

arity  witli  tlie  "work  and  lectures"  of  eacli  degree 
ill  the  various  orders,  his  acquaintance  with  all  the 
duties  of  the  Chair,  and  the  jurisprudence  of  the 
Order  in  general,  gave  him  a  most  commanding 
position  in  the  general  convocations  of  Masons  in 
all  the  States  where  he  resided.  In  Wisconsin  and 
Indiana  the  Grand  Lecturers  were  required  to 
appear  before  him,  to  receive  such  instructions,  and 
to  pass  such  an  examination,  as  would  enable  him 
to  certify  to  their  qualifications  to  perform  the  deli- 
cate duties  pertaining  to  their  office.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  few  men  ever  conferred  as  many  degrees 
in  the  higher  departments  of  Masonry  as  Dr.  Kav- 
anaugh. 

In  the  fall  of  1857,  Dr.  Kavanaugh  united  with 
the  St.  Louis  Annual  Conference,  and  was  stationed 
in  the  city  of  Lexington,  Mo.  Here  he  remained 
two  years,  edif3'ing  the  flock.  lie  is  now  in  charge 
of  a  pious  and  wealthy  congregation  in  the  city  of 
Independence.  His  literature  is  limited,  his  talents 
above  the  ordinary,  his  theological  attainments  ex- 
tensive. I  never  heard  him  repeat  a  sermon  but 
once ;  then  he  was  requested  to  do  so.  And  I  have 
heard  him  scores  of  times.  He  has  a  vigorous 
frame,  and  a  voice  that  may  be  heard  half  a  mile. 

Lexington,  Mo.,  Jan.  1,  1860. 


n- 


2d' 


^2°       Y75  68900 


